Celebrating winter and Kitchener’s outdoor rinks

The recent frigid temperatures, combined with the hard work of dozens of rink volunteers, have made neighbourhood outdoor rinks a possibility this winter! It’s time to enjoy these frozen community treasures!

“Outdoor rinks encourage active living in winter while bringing neighbours together to foster a sense of belonging and neighbourhood pride,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “The importance of building connection in our community spaces is why the City continues to invest in providing these opportunities.”

To help skaters keep warm, winter rink volunteers and neighbours are invited to join their City Councillors to celebrate winter with free hot chocolate* served at select outdoor rinks in neighbourhoods across the city (while quantities last).

“Without a dedicated group of volunteers across the City of Kitchener, these outdoor rinks would not be possible,” says Margaret Johnston, Ward 8 Councillor and Chair of the Community & Infrastructure Services Committee. “I encourage anyone who is able to give a bit of their time and ice-making talent to consider volunteering for their neighbourhood rink.”

The LoveMyHood team will be on location with hot chocolate and goodies at the following locations over the next three weekends, weather permitting:

Saturday, January 25

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Weber Park (380 Frederick St.) with Councillor Stephanie Stretch

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Max Becker (300 Max Becker Drive) with Councillor Ayo Owodunni

Sunday, January 26

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Forest Heights Community Centre (1700 Queens Blvd.) with Councillor Bil Ioannidis

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Mill Courtland Community Centre (216 Mill St.) with Councillor Debbie Chapman

Saturday, February 1

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Country Clair Park (34 Country Clair St.) with Councillor Dave Schnider

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Chandler Mowat Community Centre (222 Chandler Drive) with Councillor Paul Singh

Sunday, February 2

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Vanier Park (319 Vanier Drive)* to be confirmedwith Councillor Jason Deneault

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Pioneer Park West (40 Green Valley Drive) with Councillor Christine Michaud

Saturday, February 8

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Belmont Park (285 Belmont Avenue) with Councillor Margaret Johnston

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Bridgeport Community Centre (20 Tyson Drive) with Councillor Scott Davey

Sunday, February 9 – Alternate date if needed.

If you would like to volunteer, email volunteer@kitchener.ca.

To find an outdoor rink in your neighbourhood, visit www.lovemyhood.ca/outdoorrinks.

For more information, contact: 

Tracy Jasmins
Communications & Marketing Associate
tracy.jasmins@kitchener.ca