Outdoor Skating Rinks

Latest Update

March 13th, 2024
 
The Outdoor Skating Rinks (Griffiths and Glenwood) and the Skate Loop are now closed for the season due to the warm temperatures and poor ice conditions. We look forward to seeing you again next season!

The Town of Edson currently operates and maintains two outdoor skating rinks and a skating loop.

The Squirrely Whirly Skating Loop is located at Water Tower Park (across from the Edson and District Leisure Centre). Please remember that this is all natural ice and may have bumpy or uneven surfaces at times. Head protection and safety gear is strongly recommended.

Glenwood Park Outdoor Arena is located at 463 - 72 Street. This arena has full boards with lights (until 10:30 pm). There is a change facility and washrooms on site.

Griffiths Outdoor Arena is located behind Griffiths Park Centre Building at 5414 - 6 Avenue. This arena has full boards with lights (until 10:30 pm).

There are also 2 community run outdoor rinks available for public use. The Westhaven rink is located at 5901 10th Avenue, while the Tiffin rink is at 1408 55th Street. These are maintained and operated by volunteers in the community.

Any community member wanting to run or be involved in the creation or maintenance of these rinks is asked to speak to the Community Services Department. From there, residents will be required to sign out the key to the hydrant to enable them to flood the rinks. Once the key is signed out, that member is responsible for location and the return of the key at the end of the season. 780-723-4403

In each location, the town will supply hose and connections to the hydrants. If these are faulty or broken, please let the Town know so they can be replaced/repaired as required.

*Please keep hydrants locked when not in use to prevent them from being turned on or opened and freezing the lines. I this happens it costs approx $5,000 to repair.

Some helpful tips for starting the rink flooding process are:

  • Once you have an approximately 6” snow fall, pack the snow down using feet or large sheets of plywood. This will give a nice frozen base on which to start the ice/water process and will prevent the water from running off the rink or into the ground.
  • Start the water process by sprinkling water, this will allow it to freeze quicker and not ruin the compacted snow layer.
  • When laying down water (flooding), do so in thin layers, then wait until the water/layer gets tacky (depending on temps around 10-15 mins) before laying down another flood.
  • Try to keep dirt and/or salt off the ice surface at all times, this will give a much smoother surface to skate.

 

***The Town of Edson would like to request these facilities be utilized in a safe and respectful manner.  In the past, staff have found smashed bottles, debris etc at the rinks. if anyone observes our facilities being abused, please report it to the Town Office or RCMP. Thank you!