Parker Ross, Connecticut YardRink Owner Since 2024
As a family of die-hard New York Ranger fans, hockey has quickly become a major part of our lives – especially with two young boys who can’t get enough of the sport. When I decided it was time to build a backyard rink, I dove into research: browsing online, comparing systems, and scrolling through endless posts in the backyard rink Facebook Groups. Then, one night while watching CNBC, Wayne Gretzky dropped the name “YardRink” and my interest was instantly sparked.
What sold me was the design. YardRink’s unique outer tarp makes it look and feel like a real rink. The simple visual details gave me confidence that it would not only perform well, but also bring that authentic hockey vibe to our backyard.
The day my YardRink arrived, I was so excited I started building it right away – and may have pulled an all-nighter to get it done! My wife helped lay out the tarp for our 26’x53’ rink, and after that, I dove in. Setup was surprisingly straightforward, especially since I’d made sure our yard was level in advance. Once it was complete, I rolled right into some fun DIY upgrades.
To start, I built a leaf defense system, which is a net canopy to keep the leaves and debris off. Next came the fun stuff: customizing the rink with official Rangers and NHL decals, a protected loading zone for easy entry and exit (and to keep the tarp safe from rips), and backyard lighting for night skating sessions.
In the summer, we have our pool for backyard fun. But thanks to YardRink, winter now has its own spotlight. It’s become our cold-weather hangout spot – a place where the kids can practice their skills, burn off energy and have fun outside.
While unboxing his ODR, Parker recorded the entire process – from start to finish. Check out his video below to see how everything came together and the fun the kids are having on the ice!
