The ice at the Ponoka Arena Complex is ready for skaters earlier than ever this year, thanks to the new ice plant that was installed at the Arena last year. While the ice season typically starts in early September at the Arena, this year the large and small ice surfaces are already open for private and group bookings, public skating and hockey camps which are being held at the facility this month.

Toonie Skating

Public skating will begin on August 12 and will continue with toonie skates each Friday on August 19 and 26 from 2 – 4 p.m. Stay tuned for more public skating dates in September.

Public skating is two dollars per person. Recreation passes can also be used. These can be purchased through the Ponoka Aquaplex and Arena Complex at the front desk. Recreation passes can also be used for swimming at the Aquaplex and all drop-in programming at the Arena Complex.

“We are excited to reopen early this year and welcome the public and user groups back to the ice surfaces at the Ponoka Arena Complex for an expanded ice season,” said Andrew Jones, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities for the Town of Ponoka. He notes the Arena’s new ice plant offers greater efficiency which has allowed the facility to extend its ice season and begin ice making during the warmer summer months.

Drop-In Badminton and Basketball

For the month of August, citizens can continue to enjoy drop-in programming at the Ponoka Arena Complex for badminton and basketball in the curling rink area.

All ages can participate. Children under the age of eight will require direct supervision from a person 16 years of age or older. To view a schedule for drop-in programming and to learn more, please visit www.ponoka.ca/p/drop-in-programming.