MPP Todd Smith and City of Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison had a chance to see the results of the work done by the Batawa Lions Club to open its newest outdoor skating rink.
Thanks to a $140,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2019, the Lions Club was able to complete the work on the 10,000 square foot skating rink.
“The Lions Club has scored with a $140,000 assist from the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Todd Smith, MPP for Bay of Quinte.
“This new rink will provide active recreation opportunities in Batawa for people of all ages and its enhanced lighting, washroom facilities, and skate rentals are welcome additions to encourage more participation.”
“We are excited about the improvements that were made possible as a result of this funding,” says Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison.
“This year more than ever, families will be looking for fun, outdoor activities. We are grateful for this funding from the Trillium Foundation and to the Batawa Lions Club for their tireless work on the rinks.”
In addition to the LED lighting, upgraded washroom facilities, the grant helped the club buy 50 pairs of skates and helmets for its skate loan program and create a heated storage garage.
The Batawa Community Rinks have been open since 2010 and in addition to welcoming thousands of people over the years for free, outdoor skating, they have played host to many events including the annual Quinte West Frost Fest and the CFB Trenton Pond Hockey Classic.
Boasting over 52,000 square feet of outdoor natural ice surface (equivalent to three NHL rinks), the Batawa Community Rinks will now have four hockey surfaces and two skating surfaces including a small skating oval.
These rinks are supported by the City of Quinte West and run by the Batawa Lions Club and its many volunteers.
The Batawa Lions Community Rinks are open seven days a week.
They are free to the public and are typically open late December to early March.
