Rink – Call for Support

Champlain Park Outdoor Rink – call for community support!

Hello Champlain Park residents and friends,

We’re happy to let you know that the Champlain Park Community Association (CPCA) will be taking on the task of building and maintaining the Champlain Park outdoor rink for the 2020 season. A huge thanks to our neighbours, Matt Karam and Paul O’Blenes, who have volunteered as rink coordinators this year!

We have already received interest from community members to assist with the rink, but we will need all the help we can get for rink maintenance. Maintenance needs will be a mix of regularly scheduled tasks, as well as ad hoc calls for help, depending on weather events and conditions (such as shoveling snow before a thaw or small frequent clearings during a blizzard). A large volunteer network will help ensure we maximize the number of days the rink is open. We are eager to begin building the rink as soon as the weather permits, hopefully around mid-December.

In terms of COVID countermeasures, the City will be posting signage at all outdoor rinks this winter, reminding skaters to maintain 2 metres distance and specifying gathering limits, based on allowances that apply at the time. Please note that in light of the current public health conditions, the CPCA will not be taking on the responsibility to provide either public access to the Fieldhouse changerooms, or supervised rink hours. However, a special thank you goes to St. George School, who graciously donated three benches which will be available outdoors to put on and take off skates.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with maintenance, please email Matt at ChamplainParkRink@gmail.com. We would also welcome students looking to fulfill their community hour requirements.

Looking forward to a happy and safe winter on the Champlain Park ODR!

Dan Wilcock