Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville opens 8 outdoor rinks for winter fun

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 12, 2022

Amid cold temperatures and wondering what to do outside, consider that Stouffville has eight outdoor rinks and two designated toboggan hills for outdoor fun.

 “We’re happy to offer opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors this winter, while keeping in line with public health guidelines,” Mayor Iain Lovatt said. “These activities, both online and in the great outdoors, are a great way to discover our community while keeping physically and mentally active.”

The town’s outdoor rinks are now open, weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to enjoy this great opportunity for exercise but must remember to physically distance and share the ice with all interested participants. Please keep skating sessions to a maximum of 45 minutes to allow for everyone to get an opportunity to skate.

All rinks currently have a 10-person capacity limit as per provincial regulations. Game play is not allowed on any outdoor rinks except at the Memorial Park Baseball Diamond where stick and puck play is permitted. Helmet use is recommended while on the ice. Please respect all posted signage and directions from town staff on site. Skating on closed rinks can be dangerous and may result in longer periods of maintenance in between anticipated operating hours.

Rink locations include Greenwood Park, Gar Lehman Park, Madori Park, Sunnyridge Park, Wheeler's Mill Park, Vandorf Park, Memorial Park Pavilion, and Memorial Park Baseball Diamond.

You can find outdoor rink updates and regulations at townofws.ca/outdoorskating.

The town does not maintain open areas often used for winter activities, including toboggan hills. Please use outdoor areas at your own risk and follow these guidelines:

• All children should be supervised by an adult.
• Check the hill for any hazards such as trees, rocks, fences, bumps, garbage cans or other people.
• Avoid ice-covered areas.
• Make sure there is room at the bottom of the hill to stop safely -- away from roads, bodies of water, or other obstructions.
• Use proper sliding equipment and wear a helmet -- ski helmets are recommended.
• Only toboggan with members of the same household.
• Maintain six feet (two metres) at all times from others.
• Masks are encouraged.

Residents are reminded to stay off local stormwater ponds as these bodies of water are not safe. despite how frozen they may appear. Stormwater ponds are part of the town’s drainage infrastructure and, as a result, water flow and water levels can fluctuate quickly without warning. Children should be advised that playing on or near stormwater ponds should be avoided and that these ice surfaces are unsafe for skating.