Grand opening of Southfields skating loop among many activities to enjoy this Family Day

By Zachary Roman

Family day is the perfect day to spend time with the ones you love.

There are many activities going on in Caledon to mark Family Day on February 20, one of which is the grand opening of an outdoor skating loop at John Clarkson Park in Southfields Village.

At 2 p.m. on Family Day, members of Caledon Council will be at the skate loop for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony that will mark the completion of the skate loop project.

A February 2 Town media release explained that over the past year, ice-chilling equipment and a pumping system were installed at John Clarkson Park that help create the ice surface on top of the pre-existing concrete loop there.

Underneath the concrete loop, tubes carry cooling liquid which will allow for the ice on top to be maintained and be less impacted by warmer days in the winter.

Mayor Annette Groves said she's excited to see the completion of the skate loop and that it's a unique place for residents to get out and enjoy the Winter.

“It's important that the Town continues to provide a variety of options for staying active to our residents, and the opening of the John Clarkson Park Skate Loop is another example of those efforts,” said Groves.

The new outdoor skate loop's address is 415 Dougall Avenue, and it's officially open for public use from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The Town of Caledon's recreation team also has activities planned at Town facilities for Family Day in Bolton, Caledon East, Inglewood, and Southfields. Activities are planned from 12 to 4 p.m. and include skating, shinny, swimming, pickleball, arts and crafts, and more. For a full schedule of events, visit caledon.ca.

The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) also has a full day of fun planned for Family Day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9 Wellington St. in Brampton, families can come to PAMA for free. 

“Discover an inclusive look at Canada's most beloved sport, hockey, while enjoying a free day of exploration, connections and creations at PAMA,” said the organization. “Take a shot on a hockey net, listen to the tunes of The Brampton Folk Club (2 to 3:30 p.m.) and create your own hockey inspired masterpiece.”