Hamilton’s outdoor ice-skating rinks are set to open to the public on Dec. 17, the city says.

The city originally planned to open outdoor rinks on Dec. 5, but in a news release Monday, it said unanticipated warm weather has delayed their opening.

Indoor skating locations are already available, based on drop-in and other program schedules at local arenas, and other activities such as winter golf and disc golf began programming last week, the city said. 

“We hope all residents take advantage of the programming to get outdoors, stay active and have fun this season,” Mayor Andrea Horwath said in a news release on Dec. 1. 

Registration for winter programs at city recreation centres, such as swimming lessons, opened on Wednesday.

Outdoor rink locations

The city says its outdoor ice rinks are weather-dependent and subject to sudden closures during extended periods of above 0 C weather.

Daily drop-in skating at the city’s outdoor ice rinks will be available until 10 p.m. at the following locations:

• Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre — Serafini Family Ice Pad.
• Dundas Driving Park.
• Freelton Community Park.
• Waterdown Memorial Park.

These city-operated outdoor rinks are maintained and patrolled by staff until the lights shut off each night at 11 p.m.

Community-maintained outdoor ice rinks are free to use and operate in city parks, such as Gage Park. Volunteers are permitted to build community rinks in approved parks. The city says it will accept applications to build community rinks until Dec. 16. These rinks will also be operational until 11 p.m. daily. No equipment like skates, helmets or hockey sticks for rental are available at these rinks.

The full list of community outdoor ice rinks will be updated throughout the season as they become available.

The following city arenas will offer drop-in skating for all ages and skill levels but are not free:

• Beverly Arena.
• Bill Friday Lawfield Arena.
• Chedoke Twin Pad Arena.
• Coronation Arena.
• Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena & Skating Centre.
• Glanbrook Arena.
• Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena.
• Inch Park Arena.
• J.L. Grightmire Arena.
• Morgan Firestone Arena.
• Pat Quinn Parkdale Arena.
• Rosedale Arena.
• Stoney Creek Arena.
• Valley Park Arena.
• Westoby Arena.

Hitting the trails and tobogganing hills

The City of Hamilton is also offering winter golf at the Chedoke Gold Club — Martin Course until March 11, and disc golf at King’s Forest Golf Club until March 11.

The King’s Forest Golf Club also offers a 2.5 kilometres winter walking trail and Nordic…