CHICAGO (STMW) – While the return of the sun and gradually warming temperatures mean that spring really is on its way to the Chicago area, it also means ice skating enthusiasts will have to wait until the onset of next winter to take part in this activity outdoors.

This is the last weekend that the couple of outdoor skating rinks still open in the area will be in operation until next winter, and for one of them at least, Mother Nature has not been very cooperative these last few days.

The outdoor skating rinks operated by the Chicago Park District, as well as the rink at Wrigley — the skating rink on Clark Street outside the North Side ballpark — closed for the season on Feb. 26. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park remains open, though, but the last day of the season for skating there will be Sunday.

In the west suburbs, the city of Cicero’s Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink is also scheduled to shut down for the season on Sunday. The bright sun and warm temperatures that most area residents would welcome though, is not a cause for joy for those who’d like to get a last skating session of the season in at the Cicero rink.

Over the past few days, skating has had to be cancelled at the Cicero rink, according to the rink’s Facebook page, because of warm temperatures and very bright sun, which have combined to melt the ice surface.

The rink is hoping to open for a Saturday night skate and for Sunday, as well.

The rink at Millennium Park is open Saturday and is scheduled to shut down for the season at 9 p.m. Sunday.

Skaters should check with the rinks before they head out for one last skate tomorrow, since high temperatures Sunday are expected to be in the lower 60s, according to the National Weather Service.

Chicago’s outdoor rinks usually reopen just after Thanksgiving.

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