Parents create neighbourhood rink in Kingston, Ont. for their kids
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and one street in Kingston, Ont. is taking that to heart, pulling together to build a community rink so that kids on the street have a place to play.
The parents have built a rink in their Portsmouth neighbourhood. It was built and is maintained by the families themselves, while a friendly retired neighbour donated the land it sits on.
After hours of virtual learning, those like 9-year-old Samaya Singh-Wilson say she and her friends are always ready to use their moves on it.
"I love that I’m always gliding on the ice," says Singh-Wilson. "And it’s also good because you can get some fresh air."
Samaya’s mom, Ekta Singh, says it’s a space to let kids be kids.
"To be a parent right now in this pandemic we are so stressed out, we’re tired, and it’s hard to come up with creative things to do," she explains. "So this rink has been a saving grace.”
Someone always ensures the ice is fresh and flooded each day, and strung up lights mean the fun doesn’t have to stop when it gets dark.
It’s a lot of work, but organizer Ben Stinson says it’s worth it.
"I love sitting in my dining room and seeing the lights come on and knowing that it's not my kids," he says. "It’s the best feeling in the world."
With dozens of kids living in the neighbourhood, to stay within the 10 person gathering limits, parents stay in constant communication, claiming a spot and time.
At least one parent stays behind to watch, allowing kids to play, and adults to get a break.
Giselle Stinson says it’s a community effort.
"I think it’s helped the community flourish in so many ways, we’ve really gotten to know each other even more, building connections," she says.
Her 7-year-old son Eli loves it.
“I get to be at the rink with my friends,” he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, Ontario police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Allman Brothers Band co-founder and legendary guitarist Dickey Betts dies at 80
Guitar legend Dickey Betts, who co-founded the Allman Brothers Band and wrote their biggest hit, 'Ramblin' Man,' has died. He was 80.
Taylor Swift's new album allegedly 'leaked' on social media and it's causing a frenzy
A Google Drive link allegedly containing 17 tracks that are purportedly from Swift's eagerly awaited "The Tortured Poets Department" album has been making the rounds on the internet in the past day and people are equal parts mad, sad and happy about it.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
Lack of detention space could force CBSA to release detainees, internal memo warns
The Canada Border Services Agency is scrambling to find space to hold high-risk detainees that are set to be transferred from provincial jails in June.
What does it mean to be 'house poor' and how can you avoid it?
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.