Urban planner says Halifax could think “bigger” for skating oval
Posted Dec 20, 2016 12:14:24 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – Hundreds of Haligonians are expected to spend some of their upcoming Christmas break at the Emera Oval.
The 55-thousand square foot skating surface opened last week for its 6th season.
Local urban planner, Tristan Cleveland, told NEWS 95.7, he thinks there are some ways to improve the popular winter attraction.
In addition to daily public skates, the oval has become a location for events put on by the city but Cleveland thinks we should be thinking bigger.
“What’s the number yearly, around 140-thousand people come out to that oval?” said Cleveland. He suggested the oval be the location of a winter festival or carnival held once or twice over the winter.
“It would really do a lot for the quality of life here during those long winter months.”
Cleveland said as well, it’d be nice to see liquor laws relaxed a little so adults could enjoy a mulled wine festival without being penned to a specific license area.
In addition to more events, Cleveland suggested trees be planted around the rink, which would help cut down on the wind that whips up once you round the corner and hit the north side of the oval.
“Between the oval and the walking trails, there really is a large chunk of what’s basically unused land right now,” said Cleveland. “I don’t think they’d be taking away from anyone’s use to turn it into something else.”
Last year, a new building opened up to store skates and helmets that skaters can borrow for free. Cleveland said he thinks the design of that building is a bit off.
“The building has two uses. One is to store skates and the other is to create a warm public space for people to get warm,” said Cleveland. “Somehow, they put the people inside the dark brick area and they put the skates in the beautiful glass room.”
Cleveland says it doesn’t make sense to give such a beautiful view to the ice skates.
He added he’d also like to see a vendor in the building to sell hot chocolate to help people warm up while they take a break from the ice.
