Orillia has eight, free, city-operated outdoor skating rinks throughout the city and half of them are now open.
The 120 x 55-foot rink at Hillcrest Park is in good condition. Both rinks at Homewood Park are open; the small 100 x 60-foot rink is in good condition, while the large 110 x 90-foot rink is in fair condition. The 50 x 65-feet rink at McKinnell Square Park and the 60 x 90-foot rink at the Murray Street Park are both in fair condition.
The other rinks remain closed. City crews continue to prepare the base of the rinks at Couchiching Beach Park, Clayt French Park and Kitchener Park. They are also continuing to work on the ice surface at the First Baptist Church rink.
As the weather changes, so do the rinks’ conditions. For up-to-date conditions, visit Orillia.ca/outdoorrinks.
According to city policy, hockey games are prohibited on outdoor rinks when they are occupied by pleasure skaters. Skaters are advised to wear helmets at all times. It’s also important to note that only Hillcrest’s rink has lighting; it is turned off at about 10 p.m.
