To help accommodate minor sports and other uses, preseason ice is now available at three Chatham-Kent arenas.
Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Center in Dresden, Thames Campus Arena in Chatham and Blenheim Memorial Arena are now open for ice activities, municipal officials stated.
“The preseason period is an important time for our minor associations and junior clubs as they’re busy with selection camps and other preparations for the upcoming season,” Ian Clark, manager of parks, recreation and cemeteries, said in a release.
“Opening these facilities to accommodate those groups also allows us to book available ice to residents for more casual or recreational uses.”
Adult and membership skating, tiny tot skating, and stick and puck skills sessions also begin at Thames Campus Arena the second week of August.
Residents and visitors can view programming schedules, rates and ice booking information by visiting https://www.chatham-kent.ca/explore/Pages/Ice-Skating.aspx and www.chatham-kent.ca/explore/Venues/Pages/Arena-Rentals.aspx or by calling 311.
All 10 municipal arenas will be open for the 2023-24 fall/winter season by the third week of September. The full schedule of public programming, including public skates, will begin on Oct. 1.