You’ll have to wait a little while longer before skating onto one of the city’s outdoor rinks. Crews are hoping to have them ready by Christmas Day.
While it’s been extremely cold over the past week in Grande Prairie, that’s not necessarily a good thing for prep. Parks Manager Josy Burrough says when they’re flooding the rinks in the morning and afternoon, the ice can shatter if it’s too cool. However, she expects great conditions this week to start getting enough layers so that there won’t be any bare patches if it warms up.
If you’re anxious, you can check the status of the parks on the city’s website, but it should be clear when they’re ready with the lights turned on. If you use Montrose, park in the school parking lot or south of it on 63rd Avenue as you can’t drive up to the rink itself.