Harrowsmith Rink Committee

Kelli McRoberts | Dec 18, 2024

In the fall of 2024, the Harrowsmith Rink Committee was established with a fantastic goal: to bring a lasting, public skating rink to Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. Driven by community spirit and the desire for a place to enjoy the winter, volunteers have come together to turn this dream into reality.

Jill Rayner, a resident passionate about community projects, spearheaded the initiative. Jill created a Facebook group five weeks ago, which has already garnered over 600 followers, highlighting the community's overwhelming support.

Local businesses and community members rallied together, donating funds, materials, and time. Home Hardware in Harrington kicked things off with an impressive donation of over 400 2x4s and screws. Residents Ken, Chris Hammer, and Jill assembled 36 panels around the pad at the park. On December 14th, ten dedicated volunteers completed the assembly, creating a professional-quality rink in just a few hours.

The 100'x50' covered rink, will be a public space for all to enjoy. The committee is seeking a volunteer to manage a Google Calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts among user groups. The South Frontenac Stocksport Club is excited to support the project and use the rink while respecting other users' schedules.

The committee is collaborating with South Frontenac Township to install a push-button timer for the lights, ensuring they aren't left on overnight and keeping the neighbors happy. Additionally, a City of Kingston worker with over 30 years of experience provided invaluable advice on anchoring the boards and setting up the liner.

Join the fun and enjoy this new community asset! Together, we're building a lasting legacy for winters to come.