For those who can't swing a trip to a sunny destination, the London International Airport is again offering a way to enjoy the winter season here in the city.
The airport's free, outdoor ice rink has returned for a second year. It officially opened on Friday, which happens to be a P.A. day for many London-area students. The classic backyard style rink will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting, and includes a lighting system for evening skating and a hut for skaters to get ready in.
It is the first rink of its kind to be opened at a Canadian airport and was built by airport staff as a way to give back to the community.
“In addition to offering direct flights to multiple sun destinations this winter and the ability to connect to anywhere in the world from London International Airport, we also want to offer other reasons to come out to our airport," said Airport President and CEO Scott McFadzean. "There are not many locations in the city that allow outdoor ice hockey, we’re proud to be able to provide a fun and safe place for staff, tenants, and the public to skate and play hockey, while enjoying the bonus of spotting aircraft arriving and departing.”
The YXU Ice Rink is located off Hurricane Road. Free parking is available along the fence in front of the Airside Operations Center, east of the rink. Airport officials noted the rink is not supervised, so it is ‘use at your own risk’. Children aged five and under are required to wear a CSA approved helmet when on the ice and it is recommended all other users do the same.
The first to skate on the rink this year were London Knights players Oliver Bonk and Jackson Edward.
"It's great that London has a space to enjoy hockey at its roots on the outdoor rink and kudos to our partners at YXU for making this happen for the community” said Alex Brown, Knights Marketing Director. “The players all grew up enjoying time with their friends and family on a pond or nearby community rink - having fun is what it's all about."
The community rink is one of four recreational options the airport has added in recent years. In the summer, there are beach volleyball and pickleball courts and year-round an airpark on Creamery Rd. for plane watching and information on aviation history.
