Clarington arena reopening after months of renovations

An arena in Clarington’s Orono community is reopening following the completion of $3 million worth of renovations, and it’s celebrating with a free skate day.

Recently, the municipality announced that it will mark the end of the extensive project with a free public skate at the Orono Arena (2 Princess St.) on Saturday, Sept. 28. 

The complimentary skate will follow a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. 

Skaters will also get to enjoy hot chocolate free of charge. 

The north Clarington rink renovation project, which began in the spring, included replacing the refrigerated floor under the ice pad, upgrading the changing rooms and shower areas, and installing new rubber flooring throughout the arena. 

The ice pad was also upgraded with new rink boards and a heated penalty box.

The work is expected to extend the arena’s lifespan by another 15 years.

The upstairs multi-purpose room remained open and available to rent throughout the renovation.