A new outdoor skating rink in Riverbend was officially opened on Friday and despite the freezing weather, dozens of Calgarians laced up the blades to try out the new ice.

The outdoor rink is at Carburn Park in the southeast community of Riverbend.

The rink is surrounded by lights, benches and picnic tables for the skaters to enjoy.

“We encourage Calgarians to get outside to enjoy the nature in our parks all year round,” says Todd Reichardt, Manager for Parks South. “This ice rink will offer citizens a wonderful, new opportunity to enjoy the outdoors at Carburn Park.”

Staff have smoothed out the surface on one of the three man-made ponds and erected mini rink boards to mark the area.

They have posted “Thin Ice.  Do not Skate” signs on the two other ponds to ensure public safety. 

The ice surface is about an acre in size or the equivalent of two indoor rinks.

City of Calgary outdoor rinks:

  • Prince’s Island Park
  • Olympic Plaza
  • Bowness Park
  • Prairie Winds Park
  • Big Marlborough Park

For up-to-date schedules and details on outdoor skating, call 311 or visit the City of Calgary website.