Bellevue Pond Closed for Ice Skating as Weather Warms

Skating season cut short as temperatures rise above freezing in Delaware

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Bellevue State Park in Delaware has announced that its pond, which had only recently opened for ice skating, is now closed due to warming temperatures. The park says visitors are no longer permitted to skate or walk on the ice until further notice, disappointing many who were hoping to get in some late-season skating.

Why it matters

Ice skating on local ponds is a popular winter activity in Delaware, but the season is highly dependent on weather conditions. As temperatures rise above freezing, the ice becomes unsafe for skating, forcing parks to close ponds to the public for safety reasons.

The details

Bellevue State Park opened its pond for ice skating on February 6th, but just a week later on February 12th, the park announced the pond was now closed. According to the park's Facebook post, visitors are no longer allowed to skate or walk on the ice. The park office was also closed on February 12th for staff training, but has since reopened.

  • The pond opened for ice skating on February 6, 2026.
  • The pond was closed on February 12, 2026 due to warming temperatures.

The players

Bellevue State Park

A state park in Delaware that features a pond that is popular for ice skating during the winter months.

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The takeaway

This closure of the Bellevue pond for ice skating highlights the challenges that parks and recreation areas face in managing winter activities that are highly dependent on unpredictable weather conditions. As temperatures rise, parks must act quickly to ensure public safety by restricting access to frozen ponds and lakes.