Outdoor rink in Ontario community opens for the season Monday

Clarington’s first outdoor refrigerated skating rink will open for the season on Monday.

The rink, located outside the Courtice Community Complex, will kick off its second winter season at 10 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. The rink will be open every day during the winter, weather permitting.

The rink officially opened in January during the annual Mayor’s Levee, with about 2,000 people coming out for the celebration.

CSA-approved helmets are “strongly recommended” for all skaters and mandatory for children under six. Wheelchairs may be used on the ice and must be accompanied by a responsible person wearing skates. Strollers are not allowed.

Hockey pucks and sticks are not permitted and children under eight must be supervised by someone 14 or older.

The maximum number of skaters is 45.

The second outdoor rink in Clarington will enjoy its grand opening on December 22 at the Diane Hamre Recreation Complex in Newcastle and will be open for family skating fun from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will feature free festive fun for all ages – including inflatables, local performances, entertainment and hot chocolate.

A twinkling tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. will help bring a little extra magic to the occasion.

A third rink outdoor rink is planned for the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre next year.

Visit www.clarington.net/Skating for rink condition updates.