Helpers needed to get community rinks up and running in Burlington

Before you lace up the skates this winter, you may want to consider helping to get the ice ready.

Volunteers are again needed in Burlington to get outdoor neighbourhood rinks up and running for the winter season.

Each year the success of the program relies on the goodwill of local volunteers, through the assistance of City of Burlington staff, to make sure these rinks are “skate worthy” and it takes a lot of work.

Still, residents have stepped up time and again to make it happen.

Neighbourhood Rink applications are now open until Nov. 20. The application must include a minimum of six residents over the age of 18, who live in the surrounding area and, are committed to maintaining the ice rink throughout the winter season. There must be one primary contact person.

Successful applicants will be responsible for:

• Organizing a working group of at least six community champions to help maintain the rink
• Providing water and filling and maintaining the rink
• Arranging to have shovels available so that snow can be cleared from the rink
• Ensuring that physical distancing is maintained at three metres unless the other skater(s) are from your household, and City of Burlington signage stays intact

The City of Burlington will work with each group to support the neighbourhood rink by installing rink boards and providing a tarp, hoses and a training manual on ice maintenance.

Neighbourhood rinks are open to all community members to skate for free.