Residents on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, braved the frigid temperatures for some ice skating and fun at Watson Park, 727 Kentucky St. The ice was at last safe and thick enough to skate on, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department announced Sunday on its Facebook page. In the coming days, signs at the rink will indicate when the ice is safe to use, and updates will also be communicated via parks and rec’s Facebook page and Twitter account, both under lprdks.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Jacob Harrington, a KU senior from Shawnee, and Tia Barta, of Lawrence, slide around the rink Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Watson Park.

photo by: Nick Gerik

Despite frigid temperatures, residents enjoyed the new temporary ice rink Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, at Watson Park, the first official day it was safe enough to use.

photo by: Mike Yoder

Steve Smaczniak, left, gives Roo Smith, 11, of Lawrence, a hand after a fall on the temporary ice rink Sunday at Watson Park, 727 Kentucky St. The city last week flooded the low-lying area of the park and below-freezing conditions have created the temporary rink.

photo by: Mike Yoder

A group of family and friends gather for a photograph Sunday on the ice rink at Watson Park, 727 Kentucky St. The city last week flooded the low-lying area of the park and below-freezing conditions have created the temporary rink.