By rdnewsNOW staff

New Christmas lights tour also announced

Ponoka building new outdoor skating plaza

Dec 1, 2020 | 1:21 PM

Ponoka citizens will soon have a new outdoor skating venue where they can lace up their skates and enjoy some fresh air and exercise this winter.

The Town of Ponoka is building a new Downtown Skating Plaza on the old Town Hall site at 48 Avenue and 51 Street.

“With the Arena temporarily closed and the Outdoor Rink limited to 10 people at one time due to COVID-19, this new facility will provide an additional opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy skating outdoors,” said Andrew Jones, Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Ponoka. “The new skating plaza will open as soon as the weather permits,” he said, noting temperatures need to be consistently below zero degrees Celsius before the ice is ready. The facility will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The Town Christmas tree is located in the centre of the new skating plaza with ornamental fencing decorated with Christmas lights surrounding the perimeter of the ice surface. The skating plaza is for public skating only. Hockey is not permitted. There will be picnic tables for ice users to change their skates along with skating mats for users to walk from the seating area to the ice.

The idea for the new Downtown Skating Plaza was developed in consultation with the Town’s Recreation, Parks and Culture Advisory Committee.

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“Town Council is excited to see this new skating plaza being built downtown,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett. “It adds to the quality of life that our citizens enjoy and it’s a great example of how our Town Administration, Council and the citizens who volunteer on our advisory committees work together to do great things for our community,” he said.

Due to COVID-19, there will be one entrance and one exit at the new Downtown Skating Plaza, and a maximum of 10 people permitted on the ice at one time. Skaters are asked to limit their time on the ice to allow others who may be waiting for the opportunity to skate as well. Skaters are also asked to please follow all provincial health orders and recommendations, including physical distancing from those outside your cohort, and to wear a mask where possible.

Other outdoor recreation opportunities in Ponoka include the Centennial Park Ice Trail, Outdoor Rink (ODR) at the Ponoka Arena Complex, Tom Hamilton Memorial Hill, and cross country-skiing.

New Christmas Light Tour

“If the weather is too cold, families can also climb into their vehicles and enjoy the new ‘Christmas Light Tour’ that is being organized by the Town,” said Jones. “More than 20 homes are already signed up for the self-guided tour so far so it’s shaping up to be a great COVID-safe activity for citizens to enjoy this holiday season,” he said. To take the tour which begins December 4, just go to the Town website at www.ponoka.ca, open the map on your phone, and enjoy a leisurely drive around the community viewing all of the beautiful Christmas lights. Paper copies of the tour map are available at the Ponoka Jubilee Library and the Aquaplex.

To enter your own home in the Christmas Light Tour, phone the Town by December 2 at 403-783-0131 or email recreation@ponoka.ca to provide your address and confirm your interest in entering the tour.