Get Ready for Winter Fun in Burlington

*Please see below a news release issued by the City of Burlington.Burlington, Ont. — Dec. 19. 2022 — Winter weather is here and so is winter fun in Burlington. There are many opportunities for everyone to be active outside and inside.

"There are lots of opportunities to stay active and connected this winter without spending a lot of money, or even no money at all. Neighbourhood rinks are free, as is tobogganing, the Rotary Centennial Pond, hiking and disc golf. If you need skates or other equipment, our lending library or skate lending are options and are both free. All our parks and greenspaces are open for play and activity, too. We also offer programs of all types, such as skill building, socializing, fitness, health, art or a combination of those, there is something for everyone." -- Victor Ljuljduraj, Acting Director of Recreation, Community & Culture, City of Burlington

Burlington Rotary Centennial PondThe Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond at the waterfront in downtown Burlington is now open. Skating will be open daily but closed on Christmas Day. Registration is not required. For times, visit burlington.ca/pondResidents are encouraged to call the ice conditions hotline, 905-335-7738, ext. 8587 before leaving their house, to make sure that the Pond is open.The skate lending program is back this season at the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond and is available Monday to Friday, 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, PA days and holiday school breaks, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.Holiday Ice and Gym Rentals Stay active this holiday with family and friends by renting ice or a gym. This holiday season, ice and gym rentals are 45 per cent off the regular fee, available now for any booking dates up to Jan 6, 2023. Residents can view facility availability and complete the rental on their own through their online Live & Play account.Learn more about how to rent at burlington.ca/rentalsNeighbourhood RinksThere are 17 neighbourhood rinks in 16 parks this year. The rinks will be open to the public and free to use once the weather is cold enough for the ice. City staff will install boards for the natural ice rinks that will be maintained by neighbourhood volunteer groups. Everyone is asked to respect the open/closed signs and stay off the ice when the rink is closed.For more information on the Neighbourhood Rink program and locations, visit burlington.ca/neighbourhoodrinkTobogganingThere are six designated areas in the city that are safe for tobogganing. They include:

• Brant Hills Park, southwest of the tennis courts, 2300 Duncaster Dr.
• Central Park on the hill northwest of the community garden, 2299 New St.
• LaSalle Park, east of the parking lot, 50 North Shore Blvd.
• Lowville Park on the hill at the southwest end of park, 6207 Lowville Park Rd.
• Nelson Park on the east side of park, north of the Centennial bike path, 4183 New St.
• Tyandaga Park at hole number four on the west slope, 1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.

To view designated tobogganing sites and tips for safe tobogganing, please visit burlington.ca/tobogganingTim Hortons Free SkatingThanks to Tim Hortons, Burlington residents can enjoy another year of free skating this holiday season. An online reservation is not needed. Skate is first come, first serve until capacity is reached. For dates and locations, visit burlington.ca/timsfreeskateDrop-In ProgramsDrop-in program schedules vary over the holiday break, including swimming, skating, shinny, and fitness. Reserve ahead or drop-in, schedules and online reservations at burlington.ca/dropinandplayPlay Equipment Lending LibraryIf you need some play equipment or want to try something new without having to buy it, try the City’s Play Equipment Lending Library, including glow-in-the-dark equipment, which can be useful as the days get shorter. Pick-up the equipment at Central Arena, 512 Drury Lane. To borrow, visit burlington.ca/playlendingSwimming LessonsSwimming lessons are available at Tansley Woods Community Centre for Preschool 1-2, Swimmer 1-2 and Adults from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Monday, Jan. 2 to Friday, Jan. 6. By registration only. Register online at burlington.ca/registrationDisc Golf and Hiking at Tyandaga Golf CourseTyandaga Golf Course (1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.) is open for disc golf and hiking during the winter season and open from dawn until dusk. Players need to bring their own discs or they can be borrowed through the Play Equipment Lending Library.Burlington is a city where people, nature and businesses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.