Update #2, December 17: The city has just announced that the grand opening ceremony for the oval will be held Monday, December 20, at 5pm, with the first public skate beginning at 6pm and continuing through to 9:30pm.
Update December 14: Ice-making on the oval has been thrown off by the rain, wind and relatively warm weather we’re having, so tomorrow’s planned opening has been postponed until next week. Stay tuned here for updates, or get info straight from the city by calling 490-2347 or checking the skateHRM Twitter feed.
Published December 9: The long-track speed skating oval on the Common should be open for public skating by “the middle of next week,” says city spokesperson Shaune MacKinlay. With all the equipment in place, crews started making ice Monday December 13 and the public will be allowed on as soon as the ice is ready. The city is hoping for a “soft opening” Wednesday, December 15, and an official grand opening the next day. The schedule for the rink, found at skateHRM.ca, includes lots of time for open public skating throughout out the day and into the evening, thanks to the lights at the facility. The oval will be closed to the public Christmas and Boxing Day, and again for some weekend competitions in January and throughout the two week Canada Games in February, but otherwise open seven days a week until it is dismantled in the spring.
This article appears in Dec 9-15, 2010.
I question the reasoning for completely dismantling the track, if that is what they are doing. After already spending the money on it, why not allow it to be re-opened each winter even if it were reduced in size somewhat. This could be a great “free” venue to get families off the couch and out enjoying what the city has to offer (or could offer). Obviously there will be some maintenance costs but that can be worked out.
Personally, I’m looking forward to going for a skate on it.
Word on the street is that it is going to be dismantled and broken up into several smaller “legacy project” rinks to be placed around the city in various areas. I haven’t seen anything official, though…
very good – good and Canadian – old school – keep on with the social and fit movement, CB