Outdoor Skating Possible in Delaware, But Frostbite Risk Remains

Bellevue State Park pond open for skating, but officials warn of thin ice and freezing temperatures.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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While some outdoor ponds in Delaware have frozen over enough for ice skating, officials are cautioning residents to exercise extreme caution due to the risk of frostbite from the dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills. The Delaware River and Bay also have significant ice buildup, but skating is only recommended on approved lakes with others around.

Why it matters

Outdoor winter activities like ice skating are popular in Delaware, but the current freezing conditions pose serious risks of frostbite and hypothermia if proper precautions are not taken. State and local officials are working to balance public access to frozen ponds while ensuring public safety.

The details

Bellevue State Park recently announced its pond was open for ice skating, but warned skaters to be cautious around drainage pipes where the ice may be thinner. Meanwhile, Newark closed its reservoir north of the University of Delaware campus to prevent people from falling into the deep waters. Experts recommend ice should be at least 4 inches thick for walking and skating, and 9 inches thick to support a car, which requires weeks of sustained freezing temperatures to achieve safely.

  • On January 29, Newark closed its reservoir north of the University of Delaware campus.
  • Bellevue State Park recently announced its pond was open for ice skating.

The players

Bellevue State Park

A state park in Delaware that recently announced its pond was open for ice skating, but warned skaters to be cautious.

Newark

A city in Delaware that closed its reservoir north of the University of Delaware campus to prevent people from falling into the deep waters.

U.S. National Ice Center

A government agency that tracks ice buildup, showing the Delaware River from near the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal northward is 90-99% ice and the Delaware Bay also has significant ice buildup.

Mayo Clinic

A nonprofit organization that provides information on frostbite, stating it can take 10-30 minutes to experience frostbite on uncovered skin during dangerous wind chills.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

A state agency that provides guidelines on safe ice thickness, stating ice that is 4 inches or thicker is good to walk and skate on, and ice that is 9 inches or thicker can handle a car.

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What they’re saying

“Bellevue State Park announced on its Facebook page recently that its pond was open for ice skating. However, not all frozen over surfaces are good for that.”

— Bellevue State Park (delawareonline.com)

“The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says ice that is 4 inches or thicker is good to walk and skate on. Ice that is 9 inches or thinker can handle a car, but it has to be this cold for weeks on end for that to be a safe option.”

— Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (delawareonline.com)

What’s next

A warm-up to average winter temperatures is forecasted throughout Delaware later this week, which may lead to the closure of some frozen ponds and lakes.

The takeaway

While the opportunity for outdoor skating in Delaware is enticing, the current freezing conditions and risk of frostbite require residents to exercise extreme caution and only skate on approved, monitored areas. Safety should be the top priority when enjoying winter activities in the state.