By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The new free skating offer at the Cobourg Community Centre is proving very popular, Councillor Emil Chorley said at this week’s council meeting.
This is offered two hours each day, and will be available through March 20, following council’s vote this week to divert $5,000 that had been budgeted for the Sinclair Park outdoor rink to offset that cost.
Though council had been agreeable to look into the creation of the rink, the warmer temperatures of this winter and the length of the provincial lockdown made the project not feasible. However, the motion included the proviso that the concept of additional outdoor rinks in neighbourhood parks be further considered during the 2022 budget process.
Chorley offered thanks to Deputy Director of Community Services Teresa Behan and her staff for coming up with the idea of offering free skating at the CCC as an alternative.
“We encourage residents to make use of this opportunity to stay active in a safe environment,” she said.
The option for outdoor skating remains at the Rotary Harbourfront Park. Though capacity recently increased to 20, other restrictions remain in place.
“Staff will do their best to keep it up and running into March,” she said.
Meanwhile, at the CCC, hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is by reservation only as programming gradually returns. You can already rent ice time or enjoy the walking track, Chorley said, and next week will see the return of pickleball, table tennis, and gym and fitness classes.
“All safety procedures and adherence to the orange restricted guidelines are in place,” she stated.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
