Outdoor skating in April in downtown Kingston
Skating in Spring?
Even the penguins are excited!
What do you associate the month of April with? Rain? Mud? Flower buds? What about outdoor skating?
Springer Market Square will be home to an artificial ice rink in the Amphitheatre behind City Hall starting April 4th until April 24th!
Swing into the evening
In addition to the rink, visitors can enjoy a few other fun spring activations like a huge selfie wall and mesmerizing LED swings. As you gently sway back and forth, the swings illuminate in a dazzling display of colours, creating a magical ambiance that is perfect for memorable photo opportunities and sharing special moments with friends and family.
Firepits will be going on Solar Eclipse weekend
Cozy up around the fire
From April 5th to 6th, cozy up by the firepits in the evenings in Springer Market Square, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for friends and family to gather. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Prepare for the spectacular solar eclipse on April 8th by grabbing your free Solar Eclipse Glasses, courtesy of Queen's University and the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.
Don't miss this extraordinary cosmic event that will leave you in awe, as the moon blocks the sun, and day momentarily turns into night.
Frequently Asked Questions
More information coming soon.
The synthetic rink will be open from 8 AM to 10 PM daily.
There are various rules and regulations to keep public skating safe and fun but here are the basics...
- Must always wear skates while on the ice.
- The middle of the ice is meant for children and beginners.
- Skate at a safe speed in the same direction as other skaters.
- No food or drink on the ice
The skating rink can be accessed at the stairs on the southeast and west sides of the amphitheatre or at the ramp entrance on the north side of City Hall (on Brock Street) and through the hallway past the public washrooms.
Synthetic ice can be used every season on warm and cold days. Since synthetic ice does not require refrigeration the rink will not have to close due to warm weather.
Yes, synthetic ice can be used by skaters of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes. However, it may feel slightly different from real ice, so some adjustment may be needed, particularly for those accustomed to skating on natural ice surfaces.
While most skating maneuvers can be performed on synthetic ice, some advanced techniques may be more challenging due to the surface's slightly different properties compared to real ice.
Synthetic ice requires regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate on the surface. This can be done using a specialized synthetic ice cleaner and a mop or squeegee. Additionally, occasional lubrication may be necessary to maintain optimal skating conditions.
Synthetic ice is designed to be durable and can withstand regular use over an extended period. However, its lifespan can vary depending on factors such as frequency of use, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions.