What is an Ice Dreams Showcase?

IceDreams is a program to encourage the development and use of outdoor rinks in Canada .

Following that, every winter in Nova Scotia communities or schools that have developed a great example of a successful outdoor rink are “showcased” to the rest of the province as inspiration for outdoor, active fun in winter. Past showcases have included the North End rink in Halifax , the Long Pond rink in Windsor , Judique's community rink, the Westside Community Rink in New Glasgow, the pond rink at the MARC in Dayspring, a curling rink built by students at Bayview School in Mahone Bay , and a great rink at Falmouth District Elementary School and in Hantsport .

Showcase events can range from a small event for students to a large carnival type day celebrating all that winter offers us! Media from across the province attend the events and share the story of the rink and any surrounding and related activities with the public while Take The Roof Off Winter representatives help celebrate by giving away promotional items to participants enjoying the winter outdoors.

Six showcases can happen each winter - one in each region (Valley, South Shore, Central, Fundy, Highland, and Cape Breton). If you are interested in being a showcase host, contact Amy Schwartz, Outdoor Recreation Consultant at the N.S. Department of Health Promotion and Protection at 424-7589 or amy.schwartz@gov.ns.ca

“Take home-ice advantage.”

Two Community Rinks Showcased for Living the “IceDream”

This past Valentines Day, “Take the Roof Off Winter” (TTROW) representatives from Recreation Nova Scotia, Health Promotion and Protection, and Global Maritimes joined the Chester Municipal Heritage Society and Truro Parks and Recreation respectively to celebrate their successes at promoting active play on their outdoor rinks.

From 1-3 on Saturday, members of the surrounding communities of Chester , young and old, gathered at Lordly Park to enjoy an afternoon of skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and even golf! The snow fell and wind blew all afternoon creating a winter wonderland full of activity, with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee waiting just up the hill at St. Stephens Parish Centre. The day was organized by the Chester Municipal Heritage Society as part of their 250 year celebration of the founding of Chester village. The rink at Lordly Park on this day even provided opportunity for some young, smiling, pink-cheeked children to give their first go at skating! This was the first year of operation for the outdoor rink here, but with this success, many more “first timers” and seasoned skaters alike will have the opportunity for years to come. The effort was supported by the Municipality of the District of Chester, Recreation and Parks Department who also operate another rink on Croft Road in Chester Basin .

Carol Nauss of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society accepts the 2009 IceDreams Hoser Award from Jody Conrad, Health Promotion and Protection staff and TTROW representative.

On the same afternoon in Truro , more folks were out celebrating the winter season with skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, music and a variety of other outdoor games and activities as part of their Take the Roof off Winter Festival. Truro Parks and Recreation operates 3 outdoor rinks throughout the winter months at Victoria Park, the TAAC Grounds, and Victoria Square respectively. Fred Beshely, with other Town of Truro staff, build and maintain the rinks every year hoping for a good winter temperatures like this year. The rink at Victoria Park measures 50'x100' offering plenty of room for all to enjoy a brisk skate on the surface.

Families enjoying a good, old-fashion sleigh ride as part of Truro 's Take the Roof off Winter Festival.

Ashley Simms of Truro Parks and Recreation and Carol Nauss of the Chester Municipal Heritage Society accepted the 2009 IceDreams Hoser Award for demonstrated commitment to supporting outdoor, winter play. The awards are presented every year by Recreation Nova Scotia and Health Promotion and Protection as part of the provincial Take the Roof off Winter initiative (www.taketheroofoffwinter.ca).

Congratulations to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society and Truro Parks and Recreation for giving their communities home ice advantage and for “Taking the Roof off Winter”!