Top 5 public skating rinks in Hamilton, according to you

Last week, In The Hammer asked, “Which outdoor public skating rink is your favourite in Hamilton?”

The combination of COVID-19 restrictions and not-cold-enough weather has made outdoor skating a challenge, but outdoor rink season is imminent and here are your favourites:

5. Gourley Park

Located just off The Linc between Garth and West 5th. Gourley Park is a go-to rink for many West Mountainers.

4. Witherspoon Park

Videos

Read More

Read More

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE

Witherspoon Park in Dundas is situated perfectly, minutes from Bruce Trail, Dundas Peak, and Tews and Webster Falls.

When the temperature drops, you can take a scenic walk and then warm up with a skate on the Witherspoon Park rink.

3. HAAA Grounds

Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association Grounds is the city’s oldest “sports park.” It was the home to the Hamilton Cricket Club (1874-1910) and the Hamilton Rugby (Football) Club (1872 – 1949), it was also the location of 7 Grey Cup championships between 1910 and 1935.

HAAA Grounds is located between Locke and Queen St. and currently features a soccer/football field, running track, robust playground, and connects to the Hamilton Tennis Club.

Weather permitting, it’s also a great place to skate for those in the west end and downtown core.

2. Gage Park

No matter the topic, it’s necessary to mention that Gage Park once featured the rock band, Fozzy—which is headed by the greatest Canadian of all time and the best professional wrestler to have ever laced up a pair of boots, Chris Jericho.

What were we talking about, again?

Oh right, Gage Park is a large community park and civic gardens located at the intersection of Main St. and Gage Ave in East Hamilton.

In the winter months, you can ditch your laced boots for a pair of skates and enjoy one of the biggest open green spaces in the city.

1. Dundas Driving Park

Dundas Driving Park was your number-one choice, and it wasn’t even close, garnering nearly a third of the total votes.

This park has everything.

You can take your kids to the playground, take a dip in the wading pool, cool down on the spray pad, play tennis, baseball, soccer, or football, and partake in a sheltered picnic.

What else?

Oh, yeah. You can skate!

City rinks require reservations as a means to maintain social distancing.

Community ice rinks are operated in City parks by community volunteer committees. Rinks are operational as weather permits and are open until 11 p.m. daily when lights are shut off.