Skaters wanting to use the skating oval in Wakamow Valley will have to wait a little bit longer to do so.
The Wakamow Valley Authority announced on social media that the skating oval is not ready to use and asks visitors not to use it because it is unsafe.
“There is still patches where grass is coming through,” said Wakamow Valley Authority general manager Todd Johnson. “Mother Nature hasn’t made it cold enough for the water to cover everything.”
The oval will open once it is cold enough to get the entire area covered in ice. Johnson added there is no timeline as it is entirely up to Mother Nature at this point.
The city has four outdoor rinks open to the public at Smith, Moose Square, Elgin and Sunningdale parks. However, Johnson says the skating oval can sometimes take longer to get open.
“Here it is a little bit different because it is such a vast area and I know the city is working really hard on it,” he said.
Even with the skating oval temporarily out of commission, there is still plenty to do in Wakamow Valley in the winter time.
Snowshoes are available to be signed out by calling or visiting the Wakamow Valley Authority office on Home Street. A lack of snow has put a damper on cross-country skiers.
Johnson added there are plenty of hills in the valley for walking or sledding. Valley staff check on the hiking trails on a daily basis as well.
“It’s still great to get out here and just go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors,” Johnson said.
For those still wanting to find an outdoor skating rink, updates can be found on the City of Moose Jaw’s website.
