Winter brings joy across New England with ice skating under the stars, festive holiday markets, and outdoor celebrations that draw crowds despite the cold. But these seasonal attractions also bring unique safety challenges. Slippery surfaces, large crowds, and limited visibility can quickly turn a magical experience into a liability nightmare.
That’s where temporary fencing comes in. At Mobile Fencing Inc., we’ve spent over 20 years helping event organizers, municipalities, and property managers across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine create safer winter experiences through strategic use of temporary barriers.
Safety First: Reducing Liability at Ice Rinks and Winter Festivals
Winter events face distinct risks. Ice rinks need clear boundaries between skaters and spectators. Holiday markets require defined vendor areas and crowd management. Outdoor festivals must protect attendees from nearby parking lots, equipment, and hazardous conditions created by snow and ice.
Temporary fencing addresses these challenges head-on:
For Ice Rinks: Perimeter fencing creates a clear barrier between the skating surface and spectator areas, reducing the risk of collisions and unauthorized access. This is particularly important for outdoor rinks where environmental factors can create additional hazards.
For Winter Festivals: Properly placed barriers help restrict access to off-limits areas (backstage zones, equipment storage, or areas with uneven terrain hidden beneath snow). This protects both your staff and attendees.
For Seasonal Markets: Fencing helps define vendor spaces, protect electrical infrastructure, and manage access points, all while maintaining the festive atmosphere your guests expect.
By clearly marking safe zones and restricting access to hazardous areas, temporary fencing dramatically reduces your liability exposure while providing peace of mind.
Crowd Control: Managing Queues and Pedestrian Flow
Popular winter attractions draw crowds. That’s the goal, after all. But without proper crowd management, those crowds can become overwhelming—and potentially dangerous.
Pedestrian barricades excel at directing traffic flow and creating organized queues:
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- Entrance and Exit Management: Create clear pathways that prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth entry and exit even during peak hours.
- Queue Formation: Use barricades to establish orderly lines for ticket sales, concessions, or popular attractions like photo opportunities with holiday displays.
- Traffic Separation: Direct foot traffic away from vehicle access points, delivery zones, and emergency routes.
At winter festivals and holiday markets, proper crowd control isn’t just about convenience. It’s about safety. When people can navigate your event easily, they’re less likely to wander into restricted areas or create congestion that could prevent emergency access.
Specialized Solutions: Choosing the Right Fencing for Winter Conditions
Not all temporary fencing performs equally in winter conditions. New England winters can be harsh, and your fencing solution needs to withstand snow, ice, and wind while remaining stable and secure.
Block and Panel Fencing: This is often our recommended solution for winter events and ice rinks. The stabilizing blocks provide excellent stability even in challenging conditions, and the taller profile creates a more substantial barrier. Chain link panels can be outfitted with privacy screens to define VIP areas or block wind at outdoor venues. The blocks themselves resist shifting even when snow accumulates around them.
Chain Link Fence: For construction-adjacent winter events or longer-term seasonal installations, traditional chain link provides durability and visibility. It’s ideal for securing equipment storage areas at ski resorts or protecting construction materials at sites that continue operating through winter. Safety signage attaches easily to the chain links, making it simple to communicate warnings about icy conditions or other hazards.
Pedestrian Barriers: These lightweight, portable barriers work well for quick-change crowd management needs. They’re easily repositioned if you need to adjust traffic patterns based on attendance or weather conditions. Their interlocking design remains stable even when conditions get slippery.
Each option has its place, and often the best solution combines multiple fencing types based on your specific needs.
Regional Expertise: Two Decades of New England Service
Mobile Fencing Inc. has been serving New England since 2001. That’s 20+ years of experience with the unique challenges our region presents—nor’easters, lake-effect snow, fluctuating temperatures, and the logistical complexities of working across five states with varying regulations and site conditions.
We understand that what works for a winter festival in Providence might need adjustment for a similar event in Portland. We know how to secure ice rinks in coastal Connecticut where salt air affects materials differently than inland New Hampshire. We’ve learned through experience how to deliver and install fencing when snowstorms throw schedules into chaos.
With our location, we’re positioned to respond quickly across our entire service area. Our crews have installed fencing for everything from the Newport Folk Festival to major construction sites, and we bring that same expertise and attention to detail to every winter project.
Temporary Fencing for Ice Rinks & Winter Event Safety
Winter attractions deserve security solutions that work as hard as you do. Whether you’re planning a community ice skating rink, a multi-week holiday market, or a one-night seasonal celebration, Mobile Fencing Inc. has the equipment, expertise, and regional knowledge to keep your event safe and secure.
We handle delivery, installation, and removal, so you can focus on creating memorable experiences for your attendees. Our team will work with you to understand your specific needs and recommend the right fencing solution. We offer you customized service that treats you like the valued partner you are.
Contact our team at Mobile Fencing Inc. today. Let’s discuss how we can help make your winter attraction safer, more organized, and more successful.
