By rdnewsNOW staff

Not Ready Yet

Ponoka working to open new Downtown Skating Plaza and Centennial Park Ice Skating Trail

Dec 22, 2020 | 6:00 PM

Town crews and the Ponoka East District Fire Department are working hard to finish ice making at the community’s Downtown Skating Plaza and the skating trail at Lions Centennial Park.

“If the weather cooperates, we’re optimistic both facilities will open by the end of this month,” said Andrew Jones, Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Ponoka.

Until then, the public is asked to please stay off the ice at both facilities.

Jones notes skating on the ice before it is thick enough will damage the ice surface and delay the opening of these skating facilities longer than is necessary. Signs continue to be posted at both facilities reminding the public that the ice is not yet ready for use.

Ice making at the Downtown Skating Plaza was temporarily delayed this week when heavy winds toppled the Town Christmas tree on Sunday morning along with other trees.

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Nobody was on the ice when the tree blew over as the Downtown Skating Plaza remains closed for public use until an official opening is announced.

Town crews have since reinforced the base of the Town Christmas tree with a new, much larger and heavier steel base that has securely anchored the tree back into place, ensuring it can withstand future windstorms.

“We are excited to provide citizens with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy these outdoor recreational facilities with their families during the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Jones.

The official opening of the Downtown Skating Plaza and the Centennial Park Skating Trail will be announced on the Town of Ponoka website at www.ponoka.ca and on the Town’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

The County Fire Department will continue flooding the ice surfaces as needed through the winter. While the Town of Ponoka winter operations crews will clear snow from the new skating plaza and ice trail surfaces throughout the winter.

The Downtown Skating Plaza is located at the old Town Hall site at 48 Avenue and 51 Street. The ice skating trail is located in Lions Centennial Park on Highway 2A, just north of Highway 53. Both facilities are for public skating only. Hockey will not be permitted.

Due to COVID-19, Town officials say there will be one entrance and one exit at the new Downtown Skating Plaza and a maximum of 10 people will be allowed on the ice surface at once. At the skating trail, skaters will be asked to keep a two-metre distance from those outside their household.

If it is not possible to maintain a two-metre distance, skaters will be asked to refrain from skating until the ice surface is less crowded.

Skaters at both ice surfaces will be asked to limit their time on the ice to allow others who may be waiting for the opportunity to skate as well. Skaters will also be required to follow all provincial health orders, including physical distancing from those outside your household, and will be encouraged to wear a mask where possible.