Arena veterans and newcomers alike can lace up to try U of T Scarborough’s outdoor skating rink that recently opened in the quad outside of the campus bookstore.
Students can bring their own skates or rent a pair during SCSU operating hours. A valid t-card is required for skate rental.
Sitharsana Srithas, president of the SCSU, fulfilled a campaign promise by ensuring that U of T Scarborough students would have a place to skate in the winter, after the continued success of similar events on rinks downtown.
“We’ve done UTSC On Ice where we take the students to the harbour front,” she said. “We wanted to bring it to Scarborough because we always want to highlight the best that Scarborough has to offer.”
Gary Pitcher, director of campus safety and security, promoted the synthetic rink as a great space where those who are unfamiliar with the sport can learn to skate safely.
“This rink contributes to bringing our community together,” he said. “The fact that it is an artificial surface allows us to make use of it even though the temperatures these next two days will be too mild for a natural surface.”
The rink, which opened to the community on Jan. 9, will also feature a learn to skate session on January 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and party on ice from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are also warming lamps to keep away the chill while students wait for their turn on the rink.
“We have room for 20 on at a time, and it has been pretty consistent so far, no one has had to wait longer than five minutes to skate.” Srithas said.
The rink will remain open until 10 p.m. on Jan. 12.