The City of North Bay is planning to expand its popular skating trail in Lee Park.
The City's Parks Supervisor Mark Thomas tells BayToday, "Last year was the first year to see what the community feedback was on it and everything we heard was very positive and people wanted more so we are planning to put more resources to the skating trail. It used to be just an oval but last year we added onto it so it was more of a trail."
Thomas says the oval will remain but the track through the park will be extended even farther this winter season — dependent on cooperation from the weather. "We need proper temperatures and a proper amount of snow to get it going."
During 2021 operating budget meetings this week, Director of Public Works Nick Schiavone confirmed the plan is to extend the skating track from 350 metres to 850 metres for this year. The lighting in the park will be upgraded and mats put down so skaters can use the heated washroom facilities. Existing park benches will be kept clear so people can put on and remove their skates.
See related story: Get ready for a different season on city-run outdoor rinks
"With the positive feedback on the Lee Park skating trail last year, we are hoping to expand upon that," offers Thomas. "Skating is pretty safe, it is outside, the skating trail will be directional so there should not be a lot of people crossing paths. It is probably one of the safer activities that people could be doing this winter."
With this being the first winter of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected many indoor activities will be impacted due to health and safety protocols.
Thomas observes "the more outdoor options we can have safely for the public — and this is a service Parks has always provided — we really wanted to keep it going this year."
With files from Chris Dawson
