A new volunteer-led outdoor rink program in Loyalist Township will see five outdoor rinks being maintained for the 2023-2024 winter season.
Loyalist Township council passed a motion at a meeting July 4 to greenlight the program.
Council also approved $4,000 to be added to their annual parks operating budget. This will be able to go towards the new rinks, and all necessary equipment. The township will soon be seeking volunteer groups interested in building and operating a rink for the season and will include a $500 grant to the volunteer group per rink.
The recreation and facilities division of the community and customer services department brought forth a report on July 4 that outlined five locations for the outdoor rink program.
- Sk8er Park
- Lakeview Park
- Sunnyside Park
- Fairfield-Gutzeit House
- Potential fifth location on Amherst Island should there be sufficient interest
Each location has an existing water source, a flat area that drains well, and is not immediately next to residential homes.
Historically, the township has had outdoor rinks at Sk8er Park, Lakeview Park, Discovery Centre, William Street Park, Sunnyside Park, J Earl Burt Park and Millhaven Legion. For the last three years prior to the pandemic, public works and park operators built and maintained only the rink at Sk8er Park. This was done as time permitted. Roads, sidewalks, parking lots, snow removal and surface treatments were all first priorities for staff. During the pandemic, outdoor rinks were not operated due to provincial restrictions. In the 2022-2023 winter season, no outdoor rinks were operated by the township due to unpredictable weather.
Mayor Jim Hegadorn noted the effort put forth by staff despite the possibility of unfavourable weather conditions.
"That's good that we're trying to make it possible, and there is nature that always may be a bit of an issue, but we're doing everything to make it happen," said Hegadorn.
The township is expected to have a total cost of approximately $2,000 to provide the necessary equipment to build and maintain each rink and provide appropriate signage. The program will operate for the 2023-2024 season. At the end of the season, a report will be presented to council with recommendations for future seasons.
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