Cornwall.ca — Game on! A number of outdoor rinks are now up and running, with more expected to be ready in the near future.

As of Thursday morning, outdoor rinks in Dover Heights, Gallinger, Grant, Menard, Optimist and Reg Campbell parks were ready to accept skaters. Additional rinks in Alexander, Broadview and King George parks are expected to be ready to host some shinny games by late Friday.

The outdoor rinks at Optimist and King George parks feature outdoor lights that are on from 5 pm to 11 pm each night.

As in previous years, there are plans to establish an outdoor rink in Lamoureux Park. This will be accomplished as time and resources permit.

The Department of Planning, Parks and Recreation operates a number of outdoor rinks throughout the community during the winter months. The success of many of these rinks is due to the commitment of community-minded volunteers who help to flood and maintain the rinks in their neighbourhoods.

“The support we receive from volunteers is critical to the success of our outdoor rinks,” said Jim Althouse, Parks & Landscaping Supervisor. “We are always looking for residents who are willing to contribute some time to help keep the rinks going.”

Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with the outdoor rinks can contact Lorne Taillon, Leisure Arts Coordinator, at (613) 938-9898 ext. 2.

In addition to the availability of volunteers, weather conditions can also have a big impact on the quality of the outdoor rinks.

For additional information on outdoor rinks in the City, please click here.