Outdoor skating rinks open in Shelburne

February 11, 2021 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Shelburne has officially opened all outdoor skating rinks in the community for residents to use.

The Town announced the opening of two additional outdoor skating rinks at KTH Park and Natasha Patterson Park last Thursday (Feb. 4). An outdoor rink located at Greenwood Park previously opened on Jan. 30.

Jim Moss, director of Shelburne’s public works, told the Free Press that the Town made the decision to include two extra rinks after residents asked to skate on stormwater ponds as a way to get out of the house during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“We tried to step it up this year and put the additional two rinks out there just to keep people more active,” said Moss. “Everybody needs a break to get out there and forget about life as it is right now and it was one of the still allowable things from the province.”

With the rinks open, residents have already started taking advantage of the opportunity to get out of the house and onto the ice.

Shelburne resident Deacon Howat and his family members Madax, Mya, and Sophia took the opportunity on Sunday to get out onto the ice at Greenwood Park.

Speaking with the Free Press, Howat said with two hockey players and a figure skater in the family they were “itching to get out onto the ice.”

“It’s great. With the lockdown all the sports activities for the kids have been cancelled, plus not being able to go to school, at least they can come out here, burn some energy, have some fun – almost like things are back to normal,” said Howat. “It’s an awesome opportunity to come here and get outside with the kids, and have some fun.”

“I think it’s good that the Town is keeping these ice rinks out for people to [use] during the lockdown,” said Madax, 11.

“They’re good, but I do wish that we could play actual hockey,” said Mya, 11.

Jason Downey, another Shelburne resident, also took the chance on Sunday to get out onto the ice at the Natasha Patterson Park, with his 5-year old son Logan.

“Playing outside on these rinks, I find it better,” said Downey. “Just having more space for people, neighbours around here to come out and play or skate, it’s awesome.”

While the outdoor rinks are now up for public use, rules have been put in place for the rinks to be open. Skaters must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, and team sports or games cannot be practiced or played on the rink.