Don't skate on Newmarket's frozen ponds and rivers, town warns
Stormwater ponds not safe for skating, town says
Newmarkettoday.com
Dec. 20, 2023
Joseph Quigley
The Town of Newmarket is reminding residents to keep off local bodies of water as temperatures dip and they freeze over.
The town put out a reminder Dec. 18 to avoid water like Fairy Lake, the Holland River and stormwater ponds.
Although stormwater ponds might look safe, the town said water flow and water levels can fluctuate quickly within them without warning.
“Please stay off these ice surfaces as they are not safe for winter activities like skating," the town said in a news release. “Ponds for stormwater management collect, hold, and treat rainwater. They are not meant for skating.”
The town has more than 65 ponds used for stormwater runoff, stopping flooding. The town has received complaints in the past about residents skating on them.
“Please take extra caution around all bodies of water and remind children to not play in the area,” the town said.
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