An outdoor skating rink created by Richard Cordery, owner of Cordery Electrical Contracting Inc., has been booked solid since it opened almost two weeks ago.
Cordery says local hockey teams and figure skating groups have seen the rink at 4086 Fairgrounds Rd. as a blessing during the current COVID restrictions that are keeping arenas closed.
“It’s been going well, and it’s been super busy. There are little kids out there skating who are about two and three years old, and there are kids right up there to 50 and 60-years-old playing hockey,” he chuckled.
After operating the rink for two years, Cordey’s two hockey nets have seen better days. Luckily, a local minor team has committed to buying new nets for the rink.
“I’m not looking for money, donations, or anything like that. It’s just something I wanted to do during COVID to give the kids a chance to play. But it is nice to be recognized and it sort of renews my faith in humanity,” he said.
Orillia Figure Skating Club (OFSC) coach Tracey Zwiers has been bringing her own private students to skate on the 75-by-150-foot ice rink over the last two weeks. Other OFSC coaches have followed suit.
“This has allowed us to maintain a lot of the basic skills that the skaters have; some of them can do higher tricks than others. It’s just about getting out on the ice in a time where everyone is stuck inside,” she said.
“Being able to see their friends, being out, and being able to hang out while doing a sport that they love is important to the skaters. We are having a lot of fun.”
Zwiers says the OFSC is amazed by Cordery and his efforts to create a perfect outdoor rink for the community.
“He’s an amazing man to volunteer his time and to dedicate this rink to everyone in the community. We really appreciate what he’s done for us and our skaters,” she said.
Jamie Lepage is another user of the busy rink who enjoys playing shinny with his friends on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
"This rink has given my friends and I the chance to grow closer together during these unprecedented times," he said.
"Richard's rink really helps people with their mental health. I recently lost my job because of COVID and having the opportunity to get out on the rink is really helpful for me in these tough times."
Lepage says Cordery's rink is always in tip-top shape, adding it's one of the best outdoor rink setups he has ever seen.
"Richard puts all his time into this rink. He's always out flooding, scraping, or starting a fire in the skate shack. Richard is truly one of the best guys Orillia has ever had," he said.
There is still limited time available for bookings. For more information and rink updates, click here.
