City of Toronto's first covered outdoor rink opens

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Councillor Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth), City of Toronto staff and community members today celebrated the opening of two new rinks at Greenwood Park. The occasion featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a hockey-skills competition for kids and the rinks' first skate. PACHI, the official mascot of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, entertained the participants and encouraged the children to keep active in sports.

"This fantastic new rink and skating path are landmark additions to the City of Toronto, and a stunning new showpiece in the Greenwood community," said Councillor Fletcher. "Parents, kids, skaters, hockey players and the entire community are absolutely thrilled. I want to extend my thanks and congratulations to all of the staff who worked so hard to make this happen - it will be enjoyed for years to come."

The outdoor hockey rink is covered - the first of its kind in Toronto. The roof increases skating opportunities during the winter season, and in warmer weather it will provide great opportunities for activities like basketball. The second rink is a 215-metre-long, landscaped leisure skating path next to the hockey rink.

The rink and pool facilities have been renovated and improved, including a new family change room and accessible shower and change areas.

The City invested $700,000 in the building's interior renovations and about $3.4 million for the design and installation of the artificial ice rink and the roof construction. Included in the total for the ice rink and roof expenditure is $300,000 donated by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Limited, which also provided an in-kind donation of hockey nets.

In addition to the skating rinks and the change facilities, the City improved Greenwood Park's community garden - with fencing, water access and cedar planters, splash pad, baseball diamond (new backstop) and playground.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, [email protected]