Central Commons Park community ice rink opens to Calgarians
It included seven years of development, but the outdoor refrigerated ice rink at University District’s Central Common Park is officially open.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Sunday with dignitaries, developers and community members.
The rink is similar to that of Olympic Plaza, across from city hall, but a larger surface.
Flanked by retail stores, restaurants, and just steps from the Alberta Children’s Hospital, developers say they are excited about the future of the area.
“It’s such a special moment for us, it's been long awaited, years in the making,” said Jacqueline Tran, manager of communications and marketing with University of Calgary Properties Group.
“We’ve worked with many collaborators and project teams to make this moment a reality.”
The Central Commons Park community ice rink officially opened to Calgarians on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (Tyson Fedor/CTV News Calgary)
The three-acre green space is a community ice rink in the winter, and grassy area in the summer, hosting festivals.
Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong says the city is looking at developing other communities similarly.
“The fifty-fifty growth development, we would like to build those,” he said.
“Not just taking those single family houses and knocking them down and building fourplexes but building communities like this, where you get more densification in one common area.”
Health minister and MLA for Calgary-Varsity Jason Copping says this rink can be used by all members of Calgary.
“The children’s hospital is nearby, and one of the phenomenal things about this is these services can be used by everyone in the community or visitors in the community,” said Copping.
Hundreds came out to the event, with hot cider and free skate sharpening taking place.
The rink is situated below the Canadian Brewhouse and The Banquet bar on University Ave NW.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.