Applications to host a neighbourhood-managed ice rink at your local park for the 2024/2025 winter season are open from October 25 to November 22, 2024.
Every winter, as weather permits, select parks across London become home to Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks that provide residents an opportunity to enjoy outdoor skating in their local community. Rinks are built, operated, and maintained by dedicated community volunteers who donate their time to provide a family-friendly recreation activity for their community. Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks are generally open between January to March, as weather allows. These rinks are natural, meaning freezing of the ice occurs from cold temperatures as opposed to artificial ice rinks which are refrigerated and mechanically frozen.
Apply to host a Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink
To apply to host a Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink at your local park, review the Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks Guide. Then, click the button below to fill out the application and a City staff member will provide a response. The application portal will close on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Apply to host an ice rink at your local park
Please note that due to the limited capacity of the program, not all qualifying ice rinks may be supported.
For information related to indoor public skating, Storybook Gardens, Victoria Park and Convent Garden skating, please visit our skating page.
List of Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks
The list of Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink for the 2024/2025 winter season is currently being confirmed. Once confirmed, this page will be updated with a list of all rink locations.
Apply to be a Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink volunteer
Residents and community groups are always looking for volunteers to support their Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks.
Volunteers operate the rink with duties that include making ice by flooding the rink surface, shovelling snow off the ice surface and maintaining ice safety.
Interested in volunteering at your local rink? Email neighbourhoodicerinks@london.ca or call 519-661-5336 to find a rink looking for volunteers near you.
Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks guide
The Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks guide outlines administrative and operational procedures regarding neighbourhood-managed ice rinks formed and maintained on City property by residents.
The procedures are meant to assist residents and groups in providing public skating opportunities in their neighbourhoods where such initiatives enhance recreational opportunities and are consistent with the interests of the City of London. Through these procedures, we want to assist residents in providing ice rinks that maximize positive experiences and usage for skaters, volunteers and the City of London.
How is a Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink approved?
1. Complete the online application form to express your interest in a neighbourhood rink.
2. Upon receiving your application, City staff review the information provided to ensure you have everything you need to get started.
3. City staff will visit and inspect your desired ice rink location to make sure that it is safe and feasible. This may require you to meet City staff at the site. If the location is not feasible, City staff will help to find a new location.
4. City staff will send the volunteer agreement by email for you and your group to complete (and insurance forms if your group is incorporated).
5. Once all conditions are met, City staff will communicate your approval by email, at which point you will be free to begin building your rink
What do I need to create a rink in my local park?
To be approved for an ice rink, you will need the following:
- Time: Ice rinks require daily care and maintenance, and rink volunteers are responsible for these tasks. You must be prepared and available to dedicate time to your ice rink.
- Volunteers: At least 6 dedicated volunteers (18 years or older) to help maintain the rink throughout the season.
- Main contact: One person to act as a main contact for your group who will be responsible for corresponding with City staff.
- Site: A suitable site for the ice rink free from hazards, accessible to community users and emergency vehicles, on a reasonably flat surface. Please note that natural ice formations (such as natural hollows, ponds, etc.) may not be suitable sites.
- Water source: A water source that can be accessed throughout the season to flood the rink (financial subsidies available of up to $400 per year to assist with utility charges).
- Materials: Rink volunteers provide tools and materials to build your rink base (such as perimeter boards and liners). The City will provide a hose, nozzle, shovels, and garbage bins at each rink location.
- Insurance: If your group is incorporated, you must provide a certificate of insurance in the amount of $2 million and name the Corporation of the City of London as co-insured.