Skating is a pastime that most Canadians enjoys and in Elliot Lake, two outdoor rinks were built by city employees to help keep that pastime alive.
Chris Marcotte extended his gratitude to city employees who continue to work hard so that others may enjoy this winter exercise.
"I've been playing rink hockey for about 10 years," he said, teaching his three-year-old son how to skate. "I've been playing on outdoor rinks in Sudbury for many years, and this is our first year here and I'm really enjoying the outdoor rinks."
To date, Elliot Lake has built an outdoor rink at Parsons Park, behind the Centennial Arena, as well as at Kiwanis Park on Dieppe.
While many come out to skate, Marcotte expressed concern over people using the rinks to play hockey.
"It doesn't bother me that the kids want to play hockey, it's great," he said. "I think maybe they should be sharing the ice and using half of it for hockey and the other half for just skating."
Carol St. Jean agreed with Marcotte, but thinks city employees have done an excellent job maintaining the ice surface at both rink locations.
"I come every second day to Parsons Park for skating and I absolutely love it," she said. "When it snows, I see people shoveling to help keep it usable. It's beautiful."
Although public skating is available at Centennial Arena, Marcotte and St. Jean said it's refreshing to have the outdoor activities during the day for seniors to enjoy.
"I've seen senior citizens come out at Kiwanis Park and just skate together, holding hands," Marcotte explained. "It's really nice to see that. It's nice to see some are still taking the time to get their exercise in."
Signs have been posted at both outdoor skating rinks warning participants that lights will go out at 10 p.m.
"I believe it's a great time," said St. Jean. "Although I don't see many coming out past nine at night."
"I just wanted to say thank you for the hard work and dedication to all who help maintain these rinks," Marcotte expressed. "It's hard work."
Weather permitting, the outdoor rinks will be available for public use up until this year's March break.