This study examines the sufficiency of the current ice conditions in Oulu. The focus is especially on the indoor ice rinks. Also, the research investigates the impact of the municipality merger on the users of ice rinks and the possibilities of exploiting outdoor ice rinks in the future. The data was collected using a survey questionnaire. The population of this research consists of the sports clubs and groups that compete for ice time at the public rinks and the Raksila rink (N=149).

In the prevailing conditions, there are not enough indoor ice facilities for children’s and youth sports. The majority of the sports clubs (79%) reported that they have groups that do not have enough ice practice time, and 38% of sports clubs informed that they are not able to take on all potential newcomers to their activities due to the lack of ice time. Additionally, unorganized children’s groups have poor chances to get ice time at indoor ice rinks.

The majority of the adult teams (55%) had enough ice time, but the unorganized adult teams, which are all recreational groups, have difficulties to operate in the current situation. Several respondents noted that recreational sports should be seen as a means of improving health and work ability. Overall, the respondents informed that they would need a total of 102 additional ice practice times for their operations, which is the equivalent of approximately three rinks.

The majority of the respondents (73 %) were not affected by the municipality merger, but the merger influenced some users significantly. The municipality merger affected positively the users in Haukipudas and Kiiminki. On the other hand, the municipality merger influenced the users in Oulu and Oulunsalo negatively. Outdoor ice rinks were not seen as a possible solution for the current shortage of indoor ice rink facilities due to the short and unsecure season, which is caused by the weather.