New skating path to open at Hollinger Park

Hollinger Park is another step—or should I say stride—closer to becoming a year-round destination for locals and tourists alike.

Officials are set to open a 340-metre “figure-8” skating track next week, and organizer Ken Pye says this is the longest figure-8 skating path that they know of in North America.

“It’s going to be 18-20 feet wide, so there will be room for passing and skating side-by-side in groups,” says Pye, who also operates the local company Tree Bandit.

On top of the actual path, Pye says they will offer free hot chocolate and cookies, possibly free skate sharpening and a warm up area.

“You can skate up to a barrel stove and get warmed up without taking your skates off,” he adds.

The rink will also be lined with some trees, to beautify the area and make it warmer for skaters as well.

The idea came to him at an open house in October, when city officials were brainstorming ideas to make Hollinger Park a better place.

Now, Pye says he is committed to creating the path for the next five years.

Just don’t expect the “figure-8” in the years to come.

“We’ll go to the public and see what the best ideas are,” he added, “I don’t want to do the same thing every year, that’s boring.”

If you are looking to volunteer to help Pye out, give him a call at 705-262-0375.  He says many sponsors are also stepping up to help the cause.