Several outdoor skating rinks around the city of Minneapolis could close their doors.

It’s part of the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board’s latest budget that would remove three rinks this season and another next winter.

“My childhood memories are here,” said Joe Dziedzic, who grew up near Windom Park and had a successful hockey career.

Before becoming a star hockey player at the University of Minnesota, then in the NHL and now a coach at a city high school, Dziedzic learned to skate at Windom Park in Minneapolis.

“I have a lot of good memories of being here and playing hockey,” Dziedzic said.

Now, the rinks at Windom Park, Powderhorn Park and Webber Natural Pool could close this season, and the rink at Lyndale Farmstead Park will close next winter.

“We have to try to fight for it and keep it as long as we can,” Dziedzic said.

The Minneapolis Park and Rec Board says it faces a $1.5 million shortfall in its budget, but calls current recommendations “fluid.” Mayor Jacob Frey proposed a smaller increase in the park board’s budget than requested.

“I think my community is upset about the lack of data on why we did this,” said Billy Menz, park board commissioner.

The Park Board attributes warmer weather as one of the reasons for closing four of its 22 outdoor rinks. This follows a mild winter last year that only allowed for a week of outdoor skating across the city.

“I know there’s another rink that wouldn’t have as big an impact,” Menz said.

Menz hinted Wednesday at a possible change in the recommendations.

“I talked to the superintendent and I think there might be a path forward,” Menz said.

Dziedzic hopes it’s only a matter of time before kids can soon put their skates on the ice at Windom Park again.

“I know it’s expensive to maintain the park and the rink, but I think it’s worth it,” Dziedzic said.

The final budget will be approved on December 10.