Outdoor Skating
November 28, 2023 - Warmer Weather May Impact Outdoor RinksAs we navigate through the early stages of the winter season, the uncharacteristically warm weather may pose challenges for our outdoor rinks. The safety of skaters is our utmost priority, and as such, it is crucial to be aware of potential changes in rink availability. READ MORE |
- What types of outdoor skating rinks does Beaumont have?
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The City of Beaumont features 10 rinks, including boarded concrete and grass rinks, a Lion RV skate trail, and a Don Sparrow Lake skate surface.
- Where are the outdoor skating rinks located in Beaumont?
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The locations of the outdoor skating rinks in Beaumont can be found in Schedule K of the City Service levels.
- How often are the outdoor skating rinks maintained and resurfaced?
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The outdoor skating rinks are maintained and checked (weather permitting) from mid-December to early March. Flooding and the use of a tractor-mounted Zamboni are done on an as-needed basis depending on conditions.
Note: Snow crews are required to complete snow clearing at City-owned buildings on sidewalks (Schedule D) and parking lots (Schedule B6) before the maintenance of outdoor rinks.
- What measures are in place to ensure the ice is safe and well-maintained?
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Daily checks by our maintenance staff are performed to ensure that the skating surface is safe for all skaters, regardless of their abilities. If any rink is found to be unsafe, it will be immediately closed until it can be brought back into a safe condition.
- Are there staff members on-site to address any issues or concerns?
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No staff are on-site. If rinks require attention, please enter a service request form, and we can address your concern.
- What measures are in place to try and preserve the ice during warmer periods?
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In 2023, modifications were made to the boarded rinks to improve their resilience and extend their usage period. Previously, the ice depth was limited to less than 1 ¾ inches, but now it can be maintained up to 3 inches, especially during warmer periods and extended sunshine. This has enabled maintenance crews to keep the ice surfaces open to residents for longer periods.
- What are the specific criteria for deciding whether to open or close the outdoor skating rinks due to warm weather?
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During warm weather, there may be instances when the ice rinks need to be closed due to compromised structural integrity. The maintenance crew will assess the depth and surface conditions of the ice, and if it is deemed unsuitable for skating, the rink will be closed until the surface can be restored to a suitable condition.
- Are there any closures or precautions taken during extreme weather conditions?
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Yes, during extremely cold temperatures, the ice under the blade of a skate stops melting as you glide, and the risk of the ice fracturing increases. To ensure safety, maintenance crews will close all rinks until the risk has subsided, and skating can resume.
- Are there alternative winter activities or events planned for residents if the outdoor skating rinks are closed or limited?
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If the outdoor skating rinks are temporarily unavailable, there are several exciting alternatives for winter enthusiasts in Beaumont:
Explore indoor skating at the Beaumont Sport and Recreation Centre (BSRC) for a fantastic indoor skating experience.
Discover a variety of winter activities available in Beaumont by visiting beaumont.ab.ca/935/Winter-Activities.
Stay engaged with the community by participating in winter events. Check out the list of events taking place over the winter season at beaumont.ab.ca/320.
When outdoor conditions are less than ideal, shift the fun indoors! Find a comprehensive list of indoor activities available at Drop-in Sports.
- What time of day do the teams maintain ice rink surfaces?
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Outdoor rinks are maintained following the City’s service levels. Maintenance checks are conducted daily, and crews aim to complete maintenance activities prior to noon. Nevertheless, the timing of maintenance can be influenced by other priorities that need attention and various weather-related factors.
- How will the City communicate changes in the status of the outdoor rinks to residents?
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The City of Beaumont provides updates on rink conditions on its website as they change and provides information on our official social media accounts.
Beaumont is proud to offer a wide range of rinks throughout the City!
Outdoor rinks may be closed due to weather conditions, staff availability, or at the discretion of the operators.
Grass Rinks - Open daily until dusk, weather permitting.
Milieu Park - East corner of Milieu Park, in Coloniale Estates at 87 Coloniale Way.
Nature Park - West edge of Nature Park, in Glenbrae Meadows, at 4302 - 41 Ave.
Lion's RV Park Skate Trail - Lion's RV Park at 4102 - 50 St.
St. Vital Park - Northeast of the 44th St and 50th Ave intersection.
Montalet Park - Corner of 60 Ave and 60 St, beside Dansereau School.
Montrose Park - Along 66 St, south of 37 Ave.
Boarded Rinks - Open daily until 9 pm, weather permitting.
Bellevue Rink - Bellevue School 5103 - 50 Ave.
Montalet Rink - East of Dansereau School, at the corner of 60 Ave and 60 St.
J.E. Lapointe Park Rink - Behind the Ken Nichol Regional Rec Centre at 5303 - 50 St.
Lake Rinks - Open daily until 9 pm, weather permitting.
Don Sparrow Lake - In the Four Seasons Park at 5701 - 40 Ave.
Who doesn't like the feeling of fresh ice beneath their skates? Here is where our rink conditions will be listed along with any changes that are location specific.
| Rink Name | Rink Type | Rink Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose Park | Grass rink | Closed |
| Montalet Park | Free skate rink | Closed |
| Don Sparrow Lake | Lake | Closed |
| Milieu Park | Grass rink | Closed |
| Nature Park | Grass rink | Closed |
| St. Vital Park | Grass rink | Closed |
| Lion's RV Park | Trail | Closed |
| Bellevue | Boarded rink | Closed |
| Montalet Park | Boarded rink | Closed |
| J.E. Lapointe Park Rink | Boarded rink | Closed |