There’s good news and bad news when it comes to the Town of Okotoks’ outdoor skating rinks.
Of the 13 rinks spread throughout town, six are open as of Dec. 13. Open rinks include: Ardiel Park, Cimarron Park, D’Arcy Ranch, Drake Landing Gardens Park, Hunters Glen and Suntree Park.
Two of the most popular sites – the skating trail at Lions Campground and the boarded rink at John Paul II Collegiate – are not yet open, although the skating trail is marked as ‘In Progress’ on the Town’s website.
Henderson Park is also in progress, while the boarded rink is one of five currently closed. The other closed rinks are Cedar Grove Park, the Kinsmen rink at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Sheep River Cove and Westridge Close Park.
The Town previously said that the weather is often too mild for outdoor rinks to be ready by December. The natural ice season usually lasts eight to 10 weeks, ending by late February or mid-March.
The boarded rink, built at a cost of $1 million, was open sporadically throughout its first season last winter, due to both warm conditions and leaky spots around the boards.
The long-range forecast is calling for generally mild conditions through the latter half of December.
For up-to-date rink conditions, visit https://www.okotoks.ca/your-community/amenities/outdoor-facilities/outdoor-rinks-toboggan-hills.
