Work on second outdoor rink underway in Ontario community

Crews have begun construction on an outdoor rink – the second in Clarington – at the Diane Hamre Recreation Centre in Newcastle.

The new rink, which is similar in design to the outdoor rink that opened in Courtice in January, will be ready in time for the winter season.

The Newcastle rink will feature a refrigerated ice surface bordered by a rubber skate mat, plenty of seating, lighting for evening use, a gas fire pit and a warming room.

“Our community’s love for skating just keeps growing. So, I’m thrilled we’re creating more opportunities for everyone to enjoy gliding in the fresh air under the open sky,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This week, we broke ground, and by winter, we’ll be lacing up our skates and hitting the ice on the brand-new rink.”

Thanks to advanced refrigeration technology, the ice rink will give users the chance to enjoy outdoor leisure skating on a surface that stays consistently frozen despite fluctuating temperatures in the winter months. Even when the ice melts, the area will remain a vibrant community space used for a variety of activities, including outdoor markets, events, recreational sports and other programming.

The project is part of Clarington’s commitment to expanding recreation opportunities and supporting the goals set out in its Parks, Recreation, and Culture Master Plan.

Clarington’s third outdoor rink – a skating trail – will be built at the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, which is set to break ground this spring.

By Glenn Hendry, insauga