Warm weather and rain halt traditional winter activities in Michiana

The unseasonably warm weather Monday, put a damper on many people's holiday weekend plans. Outdoor activities across Michiana have been canceled or postponed due to warmer temps and rain. 

The weather closed winter activities at St. Joseph County Parks.  And it shut down the Nibco Water and Ice Park in Elkhart, for hours, ruining many families' plans and traditions.

Traditions, like the Romine's, that annually go on an ice-skating excursion.  But this year, the sign on the front gate of the ice rink, changed things. 

10-year-old Joshua was disappointed. 

"I was really bummed when I found out it was closed," he says.

He's blaming the weather. 

"I think the rain really screws everything up," Romine adds. "Especially with outdoor rinks like this."

But Romine isn't the only one, attributing closures to the temps.

"The warm rain versus the cold, the ice will melt and make soft spots in it," explains Ron Summers, Facility Manager of Elkhart Parks and Rec. He says, for most of the day, the rink was just not safe for skaters. 

"It's not good. It's very soft," says Summers. "Our goal is to make it safe for residents of Elkhart City."

Ground crews were called to examine and fix the ice.  Hours later, at 6 p.m., the rink reopened for visitors.

There is no word yet on when St. Joseph County Parks plan to reopen their winter activities.