If volunteer groups step forward, there will be more local outdoor skating rinks in 2024.
Weather permitting.
Chatham-Kent council received a report from staff outlining a community-driven program at the Dec. 12 meeting.
If approved in next year’s budget, the municipality will set aside $37,747 for the purpose of developing at least six neighbourhood rinks. The rinks would be built and maintained by volunteers, with the support of the area’s municipal facility supervisor.
According to Robert Pollock, director of parks, recreation and cemeteries for CK, municipal staff will work with groups to build a rink on municipal park land, assisting with choosing a site, training and initial funding to set up the rink.
However, groups will need to handle the costs of operation.
A motion put forward by South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci to direct administration to investigate Blenheim specifically was also passed. It means staff will reach out to potential community partners in South Kent, including Waste Connections Canada and the Ridge Landfill Community Trust to see if they are interested.
There are two neighbourhood rinks that the municipality helps with – on Chatham’s London Park Drive, as well as Mitchell’s Bay Park.
