Skating is returning to the Hollinger Park this winter, but it will have a different look.
The Timmins Community Park Association took over the operations at the Hollinger Skateway last year. The group is working with the city for the trail.
The organization is looking for volunteers and is fundraising.
There is currently remediation work being done at the park.
Media director Mark Rogers said the work should be done by mid-November. The skating trail will be on the walking path on the east side of the park.
"(The city) will design the initial rink, they will flood it, they will keep it cleared," explained Rogers. "The rink itself is the city’s responsibility, they are taking that on. What we’re taking on as an association is fundraising and having a place for people to come and warm up and change into their skates and everything else."
Eventually, he said they'd like to buy a trailer for people to change and to have a concession. For this year, he said they're looking at renting or getting one donated.
For now, the anticipated regular hours will be Thursday and Friday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday noon - 6 p.m. He said it will be different hours for the Christmas holidays.
“If we get a lot more volunteers, we may open it seven days a week,” he said.
There are a number of ways the community can help make the skating trail a success.
Volunteers are needed to help monitor the concession, ice, and bonfire. People of all ages are welcome to help, and students can earn volunteer hours.
Rogers said they are also active fundraising and are collecting skates for people to use. Rogers said they have about a dozen so far.
The association is about more than just the skating trail.
They'll be hosting the second annual fun day at Roy Nicholson Park during March Break, and will be releasing an events calendar soon that offers programming into the summer.
To volunteer, donate or find out more about what the Timmins Community Park Association is up to, visit their Facebook page, or email [email protected].
