Back to SearchIt’s official, the City’s outdoor ice rink project has moved from its pilot stage into a full-fledged program.
Applications are now open for volunteer groups seeking to operate an outdoor skating rink in their neighbourhood under the Community Outdoor Ice Rink Program. Now in its third year, the program operated as a pilot over the last two winters, with Council passing amendments Monday of this week to extend the program. The project allows community volunteer groups to build, operate and maintain outdoor ice rinks in City-owned parks. Volunteer groups are permitted to apply to use any park they wish, provided it offers a reasonably flat surface, sufficient lighting, access for emergency vehicles and adequate parking where volunteer groups can build, operate and maintain outdoor ice rinks.
Last year three neighbourhood volunteer groups operated rinks at St. Patrick’s Park, Partridge Park, and the Port Dalhousie tennis court.
“As a community building exercise, the two years of the pilot were fantastic, the rinks brought people together to meet their neighbours and share in a healthy, fun outdoor activity,” said community outdoor ice rink coordinator Kaylea Cassano, adding, “the success so far is really owed to the community groups who stepped up to operate these rinks, we can’t thank them enough and are looking forward to working with more this skating season.”
Volunteer groups do not have to be incorporated charities or not-for-profit groups to apply but must allow all community members free and equal access to the outdoor ice rinks. Volunteer groups are responsible for acquiring and storing equipment and materials required to build, operate and maintain the outdoor ice rink, including boards, tarps, shovels, scrapers and water.
In addition to the park space for the outdoor rink, the City will provide signage, and training sessions on how to build outdoor ice rinks and complete the reporting requirements. The City also offers grants up to $1,000 per rink to help cover costs.
The City will support up to six rink locations.
Applications are due by Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 15. The community outdoor ice rink season will run from Dec. 1 to March 28. Learn more about the program and how to apply at www.stcatharines.ca/OutdoorRinks.
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