The opening of the university skating rink on Mavlyukeevskoe Lake took place on December 13. This year, the ice cover is 10,000 square meters: our ice rink has become one of the largest natural ice rinks in Russia.
- Five years ago the idea of organizing skating on Mavlyukeevskoe Lake was proposed by our students and campus staff, - says Sergey Kulizhskiy, TSU Vice-Rector for Social Services. - In the first year, this place immediately became a favorite for TSU students, especially our international students from warm countries, and for many other Tomsk residents. During the first season, many thousands of people visited the rink. Therefore, the university, which has always been not only the scientific, educational but also the cultural center of Tomsk, has introduced a good tradition and is now organizing a large ice rink before the New Year.
The opening of the season is always preceded by much preparatory work. After the ice thickness reaches 30 cm (for a mass exit of people it should be at least 25 cm), heavy machinery clears the ice on the lake. Then specialists fill the surface from fire hydrants, wait for solidification, once again clear it of snow, and polish the ice using special equipment.
Annually, a slide, a Christmas tree, and an illumination are installed. According to Alexander Shuteev, the deputy director of the TSU student dormitory Parus (Sail), a warm dressing room where you can change shoes and keep warm is equipped by the beginning of the skiing season. At the rental point, 165 pairs of skates are waiting (and there may be more in the future). The rental price, like last year, is 110 rubles per hour (children's and adult skates), and admission is free with the skates).
On weekdays, the university rink will be open from 16.00 to 22.00, and on weekends and holidays from 12.00 to 23.00. In the days of the New Year holidays, the rental will reopen on January 3.