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COMMUNITY DO-IT-YOURSELF ICE RINKS POPPING UP AROUND TOWN BY NELIA RAPOSO With local arenas closed for the second winter due to pandemic restrictions, some families have created an ice rink of their own. Kathryn Gallinger's son Luke plays rep hockey in Georgetown. So when the local arena shut down, his parents sprang into action — building a five by nine- metre (16 by 30 feet) ice “With the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to sure there was an oppor- tunity for the kids to stay active and continue play- ing hockey. With the cur- rent ghut d down of the OM. HA(Ont ario Minor Hockey Association), backyard rink al to lace up and get on 1 the i ice in his own backyard," said having a Kathryn. She and her husband ym purchased a rink kit for about $2,000 and were able to follow the step-by- step instructions to com- plete the project. e family plans on us- build their own, they could purchase the wood and tarp at a more affordable price from the local hard- ware store," noted Kath- . "The price for us to mnaintain the rink is reall; just the additional cost to the water bill. We use the hose and giveita little flood almost nightly for about 10 inutes." This is the second win- ter Terri Furtado-Cichos- zewski and her husband Marcin built ante en rink in in their south backyard, Meine ie materials from a renova- on. "My husband had been thinking about building a rink for a while, and we fig- ured it would be a fun expe- for our two sons, (who are nine and years old)," she said. "We fi- nally decided to give it a go last year with just a small rink to start. With COVID lockdowns, and not being able to go to the arena fora public skate, kids at home doing online learning and us working from home, we figured we would get a lot of use out of it. We were able to go outside during lunch breaks for a quick skate and to get some fresh air. The timing was per- fect." The rink is 24 by 20 feet (6.1 by 7.32 meters). The Graham Paine/ Metroland Rep hockey teammates Thomas Johnstone (with puck) and Luke Gallinger play a game of shinny on Luke's backyard rink. main component, and the biggest expense was the er they purchased. The rest of the materials are a few two-by-eights and ply- wood. "Once the rink is built and it freezes over, there's not a whole lot of mainte- nance. It just comes down to shovelling the snow and an occasional resurfacing to smooth out the ice," said "She offers this tip to any- first have a fairly flat area to work with, and a strong frame to start. “ Don't underestimate the weight of the water. If the frame is not properly reinforced, the water could push out the boards and bulge out. A good liner is also key. The thicker, the better Both families agree that an outdoor icerink isa safe way to connect with ex- tended family during this latest surge in COVID-19 cases. For those unable to visit outdoor skating options. One is at George’ grounds and fae are two in Acton; at Prospect Park and the other at en Are- na near the skate Outdoor rinks vee tit at night. Light timers have been set to operate from 5 to 11 p.m. ly. ba) © © Ls) © inter Pot Care FEED WELL. Give your pet plenty of food and water, because keeping warm outdoors takes energy. CHECK PAWS. Wipe with a damp towel to remove salt, and check for ice accumulation and damage. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER. If your pet must be outside much of the day, they need a dry, draft-free shelter. DISCOURAGE HITCHHIKERS. Bang on the hood or honk the horn to ward off cats or wildlife attracted to a warm engine. PREVENT POISONING. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is deadly, but has a sweet taste. Wipe up spills to protect animals and children. Dog Training and Grooming www.wizardpaws.com info@wizardpaws.com | 289.428.0127 7 James Street, Georgetown IH UOWEH - dl SUL | LZ a Fy 2 Fy S s 3 8 2 5 2 8 a 2 8 8 8 eordyouy