The Central Park rink will have allocated times for figure skating starting tomorrow, with plans for shinny hockey on the horizon.
“Our goal was to get as many people who wanted to put on skates out on the ice as quickly as possible, and safely,” said Dean Collver, the town’s director of parks, recreation and culture. “We’re starting to get to a place where shinny and (other activities) like that are possible. We’re moving toward that in the next couple of weeks.”
The gradual roll out means figure skating will be back on the menu. Starting Tuesday, Jan. 18, figure skating will run from 3 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Interested skaters will still have to sign up for time slot within that time period to participate.
As figure skating can cause chips and holes on the ice, Collver says it’s necessary to have allocated times for that activity so the ice can be repaired before public skate re-commences. Figure skating is not permitted during public skate times.
“Going forward, people should be paying attention to the town website and social media to understand when programs will start to be re-implemented for shinny,” said Collver, adding he’s hopeful announcements will come for drop-in hockey times within the next two weeks pending health unit advice.
“We’ve heard from the public that there’s an interest in doing more of the things they could do when the rink was operating normally,” he said. “Our challenge has been that normally, our community has three ice surfaces at this time, and when we’re down to one, there are a lot of people who want to put skates on.”
The Central Park rink opened on Jan. 6.
The rink is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting) allowing up to 40 patrons at a time.
Pre-registration is required. Skaters have to sign up online to book a 50-minute time slot.
Masks must be worn at all times, including in the spectator and changing areas and while on the ice. Patrons must keep a two-metre distance from others at all times.
If you book a time slot that you no longer need, the town requests that you cancel the booking on the same website. More instructions on booking or cancelling skate times are available on the town website here.
