Community Celebrates the Opening of Lo-Ellen Park Outdoor Rink

Thanks to the hard work of community volunteers, in partnership with the City, a neighbourhood rink in Greater Sudbury’s South End has been revitalized. 

A new concrete pad has been installed at Lo-Ellen Park Outdoor Rink on Loach’s Road to allow for year-round play. Other improvements include new rink boards and fencing and new basketball hoops which will be installed in the spring. 

“Local businesses stepped up with donations, and volunteers worked collaboratively with City staff to create this safe space for children and families to play year-round,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “We know that play is a vital component of child development and life-long physical activity. Thank you to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”

Over the past year, the Lo-Ellen Neighbourhood Association raised more than $300,000 for the project which included support from the Rainbow District School Board, Lo-Ellen Secondary student fundraising and more than 30 corporate partners who stepped up with sponsorship funds and value in kind materials and services. The City’s Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) Fund also contributed $100,000 to the project. 

“I am so pleased to see this project completed,” said Ward 10 Councillor Fern Cormier. “There is an amazing group of volunteers behind this, and their passion and commitment to uniting our community is truly inspiring. I couldn't be more proud of the incredible effort they've put into fundraising to make this project a reality.”

The City of Greater Sudbury, the Lo-Ellen Neighbourhood Association and special guests celebrated the official opening of the rink with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 26. Volunteers continue to flood and maintain the ice for residents to enjoy this winter. In spring, summer and fall, the surface can be used for ball hockey, basketball, skateboarding, pickleball and more.

For more information on the City’s neighbourhood rinks, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/outdoor-rinks.