Brock Township celebrates the holidays with free public skating events

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: Those in the area can look forward to a series of free public skating events, this holiday season, offering fun and fitness for all ages. With events planned at arenas in Beaverton, Cannington, and Sunderland, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the ice, while celebrating the festive season with family and friends.

In Beaverton, the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre will host seven free skating sessions. The festivities kick off on Sunday, December 15th, from noon to 2 p.m., sponsored by Steven Sarasin Real Estate Team. Additional skating events take place on December 22nd, 27th, 29th, and 30th, with sponsorships from local businesses, including: Beaverton Physiotherapy, Brock Community Health Centre, Hill's Home Hardware, and Re/Max Country Lakes Realty. Two final sessions are set for Friday, January 3rd, from 1 to 3 p.m., and Sunday, January 5th, from noon to 2 p.m., sponsored by the Township of Brock and the Beaverton Lions Club, respectively.

Over at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, residents can lace up their skates for seven free events, starting Sunday, December 22nd, from 3 to 5 p.m., courtesy of Georgina Auto Service. Skating continues on December 23rd, 27th, 29th, and 30th, with sponsorship from DC Plumbing, Brock Community Health Centre and Hill's Home Hardware. Additional sessions, on January 2nd and 3rd, are supported by Parliament Farms and the Durham Farm and Rural Family Resource program.

The Sunderland Memorial Arena begins its festivities with a special skating event, on Saturday, December 14th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., just before the Santa Claus Parade which begins at 7 p.m. that evening. Additional free skating sessions are scheduled for December 22nd and 29th, sponsored by Brock Community Health Centre and Hill's Home Hardware.

Beyond these events, township arenas will also offer a range of regular programs, including: shinny hockey, senior skates, parent-and-tot skating, and stick-and-puck sessions. Note: arenas will be closed on December 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st, and January 1st, and the popular Friday night public skating, in Sunderland, is cancelled for Friday, Dec. 27th, due to another event.

Regional Councillor Mike Jubb expressed his enthusiasm for the township’s holiday programming. “We’re so fortunate to have such a strong sense of community here in Brock. These free skating events, made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, are a wonderful way to bring people together and spread holiday cheer. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the festivities.”

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a festive activity to share with loved ones, Brock Township’s free public skating events offer something for everyone this holiday season.