Stouffville opens outdoor skating rinks, toboggan hills

The town had originally closed the outdoor amenities when the province made the stay-at-home order

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 19, 2021
Simon Martin

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville reopened all the town operated outdoor skating and community rinks and toboggan hills Jan. 15 after closing them a few days earlier. The town said in a media release that they closed the outdoor activities in response to the stay at home order issued by the provincial government.  

On January 14, the provincial government clarified its position regarding outdoor recreational amenities. As a result of the clarifications the town opened Greenwood Park outdoor rink (weather permitting) and monitor Memorial Park and Rupert Park hills. The town said bylaw officers will enforce strict safety measures.

New measures for outdoor skating at community rinks include:

Follow the rules posted at outdoor rink locations.

All skaters MUST wear a mask while waiting and while skating on the ice.

All skaters MUST always maintain at least 6 feet (2 metres) apart from others outside of their household.

Capacity limits remain at 25 people per surface, keeping in mind distancing requirements.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville does not have any designated hills for tobogganing and does not maintain any areas for winter activities. The town asks you to follow these guidelines:

Check the hill. Make sure it is free of hazards (trees, rocks, fences, bumps)

Avoid ice-covered areas

Make sure there is room at the bottom of the hill to stop -- away from roads, or bodies of water or other obstructions.

Use proper sliding equipment and wear a helmet (ski helmets are recommended).

Make sure your route is clear before sliding.

All children should be supervised by an adult.

Only toboggan with members of the same household.

Maintain 6 feet (2 metres) at all times from others.

Users, adults and/or guardians MUST wear a mask when tobogganing.

Bylaw officers will be patrolling all parks to enforce safety protocols and to ensure residents practise safe physical distancing at all times. The Town will rely on residents abiding by the protocols over the two-week trial period. After the two week trial, the town will announce any changes to safety protocols, extensions or termination of use. Compliance of the posted safety protocols is mandatory and non-negotiable.