Now that it feels a little more like winter people are starting to participate in the activities that make the chilly season.
In Midtown, there are many rinks, both indoor and outdoor. Some popular ones are Otter Creek, Ledbury and the outdoor rink at Eglinton Park. There are times for free public skate on the weekends as well as time for more organized games of shinny. The outdoor rinks are a fabulous resource for families looking for something to do that is inexpensive, easy to get to and gets kids some exercise.
One of the frustrations about the rinks is the time is takes to clear the ice after a major snowfall. Parents and kids get excited about getting outside and are often disappointed that the Zambonis aren’t out in full force. Call 311 before heading out to make sure the rink is open.
The other frustration about the rinks is the duration of the season. When the rinks close in February, there is always a hue and cry to keep them open until after March break. For the past several years, corporations have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep the more popular rinks open until the third week of March. Usually the major outdoor rinks that stay open are at City Hall, the civic centres and Harbourfront Centre.
This year, city council voted to keep all the rinks operational until March 20, weather permitting.
This is one decision I hope the city revisits next year.
I understand the outcry. In reality it is costly and difficult to keep the rinks open that long. Also, although people think kids will skate over March break, the ice quality is usually so poor kids opt to do other things.
The reason it is so hard to keep the ice in good quality is because good ice does not rely on the temperature alone.
In December, when the temperatures fall and the days are short, it is much easier to keep ice in good condition. In March, even when the temperatures hover around zero degrees, it is more difficult to keep the outdoor rinks operational as days are longer.
It is difficult and expensive to keep compressors going to prevent the ice from becoming a slushy mess. The hydro costs for the additional three weeks for one community rink are $10,397, an additional 14 per cent not to mention staffing costs.
It makes sense to keep a few of the larger rinks open but not all the rinks. Once the bills start to roll in and the city learns how many skaters use the rinks in March, they might change their tune.
Enjoy the rinks but be sure to call ahead in March. Despite council’s best intentions, the weather may not co-operate.