If the lagoons had frozen over enough in Marquette Park, there was plenty of space for ice skaters and hockey playing. The only "real" rink I remember on the south side was Michael Kirby's around 75th & loomis.
I know this is an old post but I just read it. The lady that played the organ at Michael Kirby's was my moms aunt Francis Philips. I used to skate there a lot and would be in the races they had there every Saturday morning. Great memories!
Michael Kirby's was a great rink, however, growing up at Oakley Playground at 50th & Oakley in the 50's was perfect. We always had beautiful and smooth ice. Our group would water it down each night to have smooth ice after school. The only thing missing was an organ. LOL