Outdoor rinks still set to open, looking for volunteers
Posted Nov 17, 2020 07:45:00 PM.
Calls have been renewed by medical professionals to keep to your own household, and only go outside if necessary.
However, one of the necessary reasons to leave the house according to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang is physical activity, as it's vital for physical and mental health.
It appears the tri-cities agree, with outdoor skating rinks still set to open in all three cases.
Capacity per rink will be capped at 25 people, and physical distancing will be encouraged according to Lori Palubeski, Manager of Program and Resource Services at the City of Kitchener.
“As we understand the public health regulations as they are today, we are currently able to provide the service,” she said. “Should something change that we're not aware of, we would pivot and respond as required.”
As far as enforcement, the rinks will be subject to COVID-19 bylaws, and you're encouraged to call officials if someone is going against the rules.
Palubeski also noted that masks are not mandatory at this time, though that, and most rules, are subject to change. City staff will be meeting with Public Health Tuesday night to discuss outdoor skating.
What hasn't changed is the need for volunteers.
Some 350 people in Kitchener give their time and energy just to ensure that neighbourhoods have a sheet of ice that brings them together.
One of those volunteers is Tony Zmigrodzki, who told 570 NEWS the biggest challenges are recruiting other volunteers and, of course, Mother Nature.
“Whereas a community rink in the city may be closed due to COVID, the [outdoor] rinks, weather permitting, will still be open,” he said. “Provided the volunteers are still able to get out and shovel and flood, the rinks should be a strong success this year.”
Zmigrodzki says the boards and other early preparations are underway, now all that's left to do is wait for Mother Nature to do her part with some consecutive cold days.
“For our community, the rink is a big draw for us. It's in the centre of our community, it really brings everyone together.”
If you want to volunteer, you can find more information here:
