Saving Canadian Traditions in Southern Ontario - The Ice Rink Kit
A common trend in Southern Ontario recently is making ice rinks in your backyard. Now that idea isn’t exactly new because my father made a rink for me when I was a kid, but today they are selling rink kits.
The advantage of the kit is that it has a vinyl liner that protects the grass from damage and the kit is able to accommodate uneven and sloping backyards. Some kits also provide coloured lines to represent an actual hockey rink.
The backyard ice rink kits are so popular because there are no lakes, ponds, or rivers to skate on anymore.
My dad used to tell me stories of playing hockey on the river by his house when he was a child. Today in Southern Ontario all the land is owned by housing developers. Where there was once an open field that would flood and freeze in the winter is now a row of townhouses. The river that everyone once had access to is now part of someone’s backyard and is private property. Of the few community lakes or ponds that do still exist they don’t freeze over until the end of January due to global warming and even then parents don’t let their kids skate on it in fear that the ice will give way.
Ice rink kits are a way of keeping our Canadian heritage and traditions alive. They are safe, easy to make, and give the kids hours of fun and exercise outdoors.
That’s a neat idea! How much does something like that run?
The cost for a backyard rink is generally quite affordable. I’ve had one for my kids for the last two years. The professional kits are quite expensive, but for a DIY rink, the cost of the tarp and lumber generally shouldn’t run more than $200.
God I would’ve loved that as a kid. Looks an amazing place to grow up - even if it is a bit cold…
I make an ice rink every year. I love canada!