Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks

The Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink 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. ​​​​​​

Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks Guide

Here are the steps for a Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rink to be 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. See a list of recommended sites below.
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

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. Review the list of recommended sites below. Please note that natural ice formations (such as natural hollows, ponds, etc.) are not 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.

When choosing a location, consider applying to build a rink at one of the recommended sites below. 

Multi-use pads can reduce the work needed to build a rink because they are designed to serve as skating rinks in winter and courts in summer. Sites with a winterized water source also allow volunteers to flood the rink without arranging a residential water source and seeking reimbursement.

Ready-to-use sites with a multi-use pad and winterized water source:

• East Lions Park
• Meredith Park
• Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre
• Riverbend Park
• Carroll Park
• River East Optimist Park
• Ed Blake Park
• Hamlyn Park

Multi-use pads where a winterized water source may be possible, pending resident interest:

• Carriage Hill Park
• Sugar Creek Park
• Carling Park

Other locations near City facilities with access to water (no multi-use pad):

• Boyle Community Centre
• Byron Community Centre
• University Heights Park
• Gibbons Park
• Oakridge Optimist Park

At locations without a multi-use pad, volunteers would need to build the rink base using materials such as boards and a liner. 

All proposed locations remain subject to City review and approval.

The list of Neighbourhood-Managed Ice Rinks for the 2026/2027 winter season is not yet confirmed. Once complete, this section will be updated with a list of all rink locations.

Volunteers are always welcome! If you’d like to help maintain a rink in your neighbourhood, email us at neighbourgood@london.ca and we will connect you with a lead volunteer at your desired location.