Sudbury outdoor rink revitalized for all year-round use

On Saturday, members of the Greater Sudbury community celebrated the opening of an outdoor neighbourhood rink that has been completely revitalized.

The Robinson Neighbourhood Association, which is made up of volunteers, played a huge role in improving the space along with help from the city and generous community sponsors.

"When you have the people on the ground that say we want to make this happen and basically work with the city figure it out and then come up with a plan, exercise that plan.” said Greater Sudbury mayor Paul Lefebvre.

“City supports it at the same time finding the sponsors to make it together. So volunteers are key,"

The Robinson Neighbourhood Association said volunteers donated countless hours to make the revitalization of the rink a reality.

Joe Caridade has been a local volunteer for 42 years.

"Instead of being at home and playing their computer or maybe breaking into someone's home if they have nothing to do. Playground is available to them at all times and that is my goal keep kids off the streets in play," said Caridade, the president of the Robinson Neighbourhood Association.

Desjardins donated $25,000 to the community project.

"These playgrounds are very essential to have for our nice neighbourhoods and Desjardins it's in our values to give back," Gabriel Godin, the vice president of busniess banking at Dejardins, said.

The Grossi family of Sudbury donated $50,000 for improvements to keep kids active all year.

"I think it's important because these days as we know technology is advancing and to have the kids come outside and get on the rink and enjoy and play with each other and communicate I think it's very important," said Frank Grossi.

There was a ribbon cutting to celebrate the refreshed outdoor rink.Greater Sudbury mayor along with other community leaders performed a ceremonial ribbon cutting to make the opening of the refreshed Robinsion Neighbourhood outdoor rink on Dec. 17/22. (Supplied)The upgrades included a new concrete pad to allow for year-round use.

The city councillor for the area said moving forward there are plans to put a roof over it.

"Doesn't matter if it's snowing out or raining out they can still be in shelter. If it's a hot sunny day and they want to play basketball they want to roller blade they can still have access to it and not worry about the elements," said Ward 1 Councillor Mark Signoretti.

The city contributed $100,000 in funding for the project through the Healthy Communities Initiative Fund. It's issued to projects that promote community growth and contribute to quality of life.

For more information on Greater Sudbury’s neighbourhood rinks, visit the city’s website.