WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Snow and freezing temperatures Saturday morning made the perfect conditions for ice to form on rivers and ponds, and locals took advantage of this weather for winter recreation. When temperatures allow, you can now skate right behind the Memorial Pool at Piper Pond in West Springfield. Cold temperatures cause ice to form on rivers and ponds "We've been like skating a bit this year, but we haven't been here before" says Greta Chandler of West Springfield. The ice must also be four inches thick for safe skating. The West Springfield Parks and Recreation Department checks the ice by drilling holes twice daily. This allows them to measure the density, giving it the "okay" to have fun on the ice. "It's pretty fun, it's like a regular rink, but just more bumpier," said David Salter of West Springfield. Ice depth at Piper Pond is based on Massachusetts state guidelines. The city asks that visitors respect all signs posted, as permission will change depending on the weather. Local News Headlines Springfield Museums offer sensory-friendly exhibits How to keep your pets protected in the winter Plane makes emergency landing at Orange Airport Amy Carnevale reelected as chair of Massachusetts Republican Party WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.