❄️ Outdoor Rink Update ⛸

As the colder months roll in, our team at the Orchards Residents Association is getting ready for another season at our community outdoor rink! Before we can welcome everyone onto the ice, we want to share what goes into creating a rink that’s safe, smooth, and fun for all.

Building quality ice depends on one major factor: consistent deep cold. We need several days of temperatures around -10°C or lower to properly form the base. Sudden warm-ups or daytime thaws can melt or crack early ice, which means our crew often has to pause—or even redo—initial work.

Here’s how the process works:
• The surface is cleared and prepped.
• Multiple thin layers of water are applied, each one needing to fully freeze before the next is added.
Rushing any step or flooding during warm spells can trap slush, create weak spots, and lead to uneven ice.

We truly appreciate your patience as we wait for the right conditions. As soon as the rink is safe and ready to open, we’ll share an update on our ORA social media channels.

Thanks for your support! With a little cooperation from the weather, we’re looking forward to another great season of outdoor skating in the Orchards ❄️⛸