Outdoor rink in north Oshawa set to open Friday

Outdoor skating at the Delpark Homes Centre is expected to start Friday at 9 a.m., weather permitting.

There has been growing public sentiment for adding an outdoor rink to Oshawa’s repertoire of recreation facilities but inconsistent weather in southern Ontario had made the idea a non-starter until this year’s pilot project.

The rink, located on a vacant field adjacent to the multi-rink complex, is all-natural, though a plan to use Delpark’s ice plant to create an outdoor, mechanically cooled ice rink may be in the future.

So far, so good, says Councillor Rosemary McConkey, who helped get the project up and running.

“The ice rinks are looking great. It’s only been one week since the plastic was put down and water added, and even though in the beginning there were some challenges … it has been a wonderful project to watch become a reality and even better when the public can come out and enjoy it!”

City staff are still working on details, signage, communication and measures to be in place before opening on Friday, she added.

If the project is a success it will be added to budget deliberations in the spring for addition next year.