Earlier this week I received an email from a Ward 1 resident asking if there was a chance she could use the circle in her Court to make a little ice rink. When I inquired, City staff outlined a number of difficulties this presented. However, they referred to Oshawa's outdoor Ice Rink Policy - something new to me. They explained that Parks Staff oversee an outdoor rink program and can assist with a rink in one of the nearby parks if residents are interested.
I asked and received a copy of the Ice Rink Policy. The Policy and Procedure (copied below) is from 1983 and revised in 2006. It is not on-line on the City's website, but, when asked, City staff wrote back they will put up a link in the new year.
I wonder how many Oshawa residents know about it. Since it is a volunteer run program imo it is important to get the word out.
Coincidentally, a few days ago I posted about the City of Brampton's 4 new outdoor ice rinks.
Imo, outdoor ice rinks is a timely topic to investigate further for Oshawa, especially with the COVID lockdowns. I am hopeful easier ways can be put in place in 2021 for those looking for outdoor rink surface in Oshawa!
By the way, City staff also responded to my question about how many recent successful uptake applicants there have been to the City's Ice Rink Policy. Seems not too many. They named only one city park where a group of volunteers have had a rink for several years, and another where after a few years of uncooperative weather, another group decided not to continue.
Any residents interested can reach out to Service Oshawa for information and contacts. I'm curious to speak with any who may have participated in this City of Oshawa program to hear about their experiences, or others who have suggestions, concerns or stories from other community's outdoor ice rinks. It seems there are plenty around, 7 outdoor rinks maintained by the City in Barrie PLUS volunteer maintained outdoor rinks (which appears similar to the Oshawa Ice Rink Policy, but well promoted. as the City of Barrie website has a notice that says: "Neighbourhood Outdoor Ice Rink Program, outdoor ice rinks may be located in parks for which volunteers have signed maintenance agreements for the season. Agreements must be signed annually. Volunteers commit to maintaining the ice surface by scraping and flooding, and must allow all members of the community free and unlimited access to the rink."
https://www.barrie.ca/.../Recreation.../Pages/Arenas.aspx...
Someone today told me outdoor rinks work well in York Region, in proximity to an indoor ice rink, where the Zamboni can be used outside too. https://www.yorkregion.com/.../8120423-map-ice-ice-baby.../
"Ice, Ice, Baby: Where to find outdoor skating rinks...an outdoor rink, arguably ranks among the most enjoyable winter activities." As noted in the February 2020 article linked above, many GTA municipalities have several outdoor ice skating surfaces available for their residents.
Time for Oshawa to offer similar opportunities! Write [email protected] now and express your interest in making this happen.
I asked and received a copy of the Ice Rink Policy. The Policy and Procedure (copied below) is from 1983 and revised in 2006. It is not on-line on the City's website, but, when asked, City staff wrote back they will put up a link in the new year.
I wonder how many Oshawa residents know about it. Since it is a volunteer run program imo it is important to get the word out.
Coincidentally, a few days ago I posted about the City of Brampton's 4 new outdoor ice rinks.
Imo, outdoor ice rinks is a timely topic to investigate further for Oshawa, especially with the COVID lockdowns. I am hopeful easier ways can be put in place in 2021 for those looking for outdoor rink surface in Oshawa!
By the way, City staff also responded to my question about how many recent successful uptake applicants there have been to the City's Ice Rink Policy. Seems not too many. They named only one city park where a group of volunteers have had a rink for several years, and another where after a few years of uncooperative weather, another group decided not to continue.
Any residents interested can reach out to Service Oshawa for information and contacts. I'm curious to speak with any who may have participated in this City of Oshawa program to hear about their experiences, or others who have suggestions, concerns or stories from other community's outdoor ice rinks. It seems there are plenty around, 7 outdoor rinks maintained by the City in Barrie PLUS volunteer maintained outdoor rinks (which appears similar to the Oshawa Ice Rink Policy, but well promoted. as the City of Barrie website has a notice that says: "Neighbourhood Outdoor Ice Rink Program, outdoor ice rinks may be located in parks for which volunteers have signed maintenance agreements for the season. Agreements must be signed annually. Volunteers commit to maintaining the ice surface by scraping and flooding, and must allow all members of the community free and unlimited access to the rink."
https://www.barrie.ca/.../Recreation.../Pages/Arenas.aspx...
Someone today told me outdoor rinks work well in York Region, in proximity to an indoor ice rink, where the Zamboni can be used outside too. https://www.yorkregion.com/.../8120423-map-ice-ice-baby.../
"Ice, Ice, Baby: Where to find outdoor skating rinks...an outdoor rink, arguably ranks among the most enjoyable winter activities." As noted in the February 2020 article linked above, many GTA municipalities have several outdoor ice skating surfaces available for their residents.
Time for Oshawa to offer similar opportunities! Write [email protected] now and express your interest in making this happen.
