For the fourth consecutive year, an NHL-sized skating rink will return to site housing the popular Webers and Starbucks location on Highway 11.
Webers owner Tom Rennie says the rink’s frame is already in place and depending on the weather the rink's liner could be in place for flooding in the near future. Last year the rink was used by 25-50 people a day from late December to mid-March.
“It’s something we think makes for great community involvement,” said Rennie.
“People can come from as far away as the Gravenhurst and Bracebridge area, to perhaps the Barrie area, and all the places in between.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic giving community members restricted access to indoor skating rinks at local arenas, Rennie hopes the community will use their rink as a chance to get outdoors this winter and enjoy a free skate.
“I think in some ways we are offering some relief to those parents and kids who might otherwise be denied services elsewhere,” he said.
“I think having our rink especially this year is a good thing for the community, and obviously a Canadian tradition that makes for those good warm fuzzy feelings.”
Rennie reminds local skaters that although skating outdoors is a safer option than indoors during the pandemic, protocols still need to be followed.
During skates at the Webers and Starbucks location guests are encouraged to wear a mask if possible. There are a number of benches and places to sit around the rink so be mindful of keeping your social distance while lacing up skates. If you need to stop and speak to someone while skating, keep a three-metre foot distance.
“I think as long as the protocols that are in place are being followed, it’s a safe activity families can come and participate in,” Rennie said.
This year Rennie and Webers have invested about $10,000 into the rink which includes assembly and maintenance.
“Just last year we acquired a Zamboni that attaches to the back of a tractor which allows us to maintain ice to the best condition as possible,” he said.
While the rink has been perfected over the years, Rennie says he and his staff are continuously looking for ways to improve the rink and the overall experience for skaters.
Rennie notes while the rink is primarily for skating only, he encourages people who want to play shinny hockey to arrive early in the morning during the quieter hours.
