The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has announced the openings of five more outdoor ice-skating rinks following a very successful two-week trial at Greenwood Park.
Rinks at Sunnyridge Park, Wheler’s Mill Park, Madori Park, Gar Lehman Park and Vandorf Parks are also now open.
With the town having six ice rinks now open and properly maintained, residents are reminded once again to enjoy these rinks and not stormwater ponds for skating. These ponds are designed to prevent flooding in the community and are extremely dangerous to skate on with their unpredictable freezing conditions.
“I am very thankful that residents have taken our new safety protocols at Greenwood Park Ice Pad seriously,” Mayor Iain Lovatt said. “I am happy that, with Mother Nature’s cooperation, we are able to open five other ice pads for public use immediately.”
All current COVID-19 provincial restrictions and self-screening are to be followed while using the town’s outdoor rinks. Measures to follow include:
- All skaters must wear a mask while waiting and while skating on the ice.
- All skaters must always maintain at least 9 feet (3 metres) apart from others outside of their household.
- Capacity limits remain at 25 people per surface, keeping in mind distancing requirements.
- No hockey or game play allowed, casual skating only.
In addition, there are signs at each rink with specific protocol guidelines that must be followed in order to skate. If a “Rink Closed” sign is posted at any of the rinks, please refrain from using the surface as it may be unsafe.
