Outdoor rink hours weather dependent

By Linda Jensen Times Contributor

The Lions Regional Outdoor Rink in Strathmore was created in 2015 as a multi-purpose, natural, well-lit, year-round, outdoor community rink for the general public.
Located on land donated by the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, it is a free, safe alternative to skating on open lakes or ponds. It is also a home for public skating, ball or shinny hockey, lacrosse, outdoor games or tournaments.
The outdoor rink is located just south of the Festival of Lights at the Strathmore ag grounds. The Town of Strathmore maintains and operates the facility at no additional cost to the users or developers.
According to Ty Tomasta in the communications department at the Town of Strathmore, both flooding and the rink schedule have no set hours and are weather dependent. As well, the doors are “only locked when the ice has been flooded or if it is not in use.”
Small user groups plan their own outdoor games or events. Still, this is a community “space and so (it is) everyone’s responsibility to share it,” said Tomasta who recommends wearing proper safety equipment like a helmet to ensure safe, active fun for the whole family and the entire community.
Although the number of skaters is not actively tracked, Tomasta noted that support and questions from local residents confirms the outdoor rink is well attended and in demand.
Tomasta said the Town of Strathmore outdoor rink webpage is static, yet details such as the opening and closing facility dates and other basic information is posted there.