You would be amazed how many people choose their house based on things like its proximity to the local rink.
People choose their neighbourhood based on the childhood they had, and the childhood they want to give their kids. They remember what it was like to have dad tie their skates. Or to have mom hold their hand and tell them they can do it.
We can quote demographic data that shows a rink’s impact on a community. Or we can remind you that skating fools your kids into putting down the Xbox controler and going outside. But you already know these things. You already know that rinks turn a neighbourhood into a community.
The City of Burlington knows the value of community rinks, which is why they have the Neighbourhood Rinks program. They’re helping community members to build and manage ice rinks close to our homes.
“A neighbourhood rink is a great opportunity for Burlington residents to come together and enjoy the winter season,” said Chris Glenn, director of parks and recreation. “We want to encourage neighbours to be active outdoors, play together and support each other through maintaining a rink.”
If You Build it, They Will Come
If you want to add a rink to your neighbourhood, The City will give you a training manual on ice maintenance, as well as give you the hoses and boards you will need.
This year, the program has helped to put rinks in:
- Brant Hills Park
- Central Park
- Ireland Park
- Orchard Park
- Optimist Park
- Palladium Park
- Pineland Park
- Sheraton Park
- Sherwood Forest Park
- Skyway Park
- Tansley Woods Park
- Wellington Park
There’s an application process, of course. So if you want to manage a rink next year, please click here to learn more.
Need Skates? Got Too Many Skates?
Burlington also offers the Skate Lending Program at Rotary Centennial Pond.
If you want to get your kids into skating, but can’t afford to run out and buy a new pair at Sport Chek just yet, they can help. They will lend you a pair of skates, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
And if you’ve got a pile of outgrown skates in your basement, why not donate them to a great cause?
Burlington is Basically a Winter Wonderland. So You Should Be Here!
We can help you find a neighbourhood where kids still build snow forts in the yard (when we actually have snow… another plus for Burlington residents, we get pretty mild winters), and the local rink is just around the corner.
There are a ton of reasons to love Burlington in the winter, from our Festival of Lights to our mild weather. We were recently named the #1 medium-sized city in Canada, for the 4th straight year!
Click here to contact us to ask us any questions, or find out what’s available in Burlington right now!
