The YXU Community Rink returns for another winter season of plane spotting while skating!
LONDON, ON – The London International Airport (YXU) has officially opened their outdoor rink, just in time for the upcoming school PA day this Friday. Our community has shown excitement for our popular rink to return this winter, and the weather has finally arrived to allow it to freeze. The team at YXU built the rink and boards themselves, including the lighting system for evening skating, as a way to give back to the community. Scott McFadzean, President and CEO, says “We continue to look for creative ways to engage and give back to our community here at the airport. In addition to offering direct flights to multiple sun destinations this winter and the ability to connect to anywhere in the world from London International Airport, we also want to offer other reasons to come out to our airport. There are not many locations in the city that allow outdoor ice hockey, we’re proud to be able to provide a fun and safe place for staff, tenants and the public to skate and play hockey, while enjoying the bonus of spotting aircraft arriving and departing. ”
It’s a classic “backyard rink” that, for now, relies on cold temperatures to freeze. As we’ve had a few days of a cold streak, the rink has officially opened! We invited none other than London’s favourite OHL team, the London Knights to come out for the first skate! Players Oliver Bonk and Jackson Edward are pictured, dropping the first puck.
“It’s great that London has a space to enjoy hockey at its roots on the outdoor rink and kudos to our partners at YXU for making this happen for the community” said Alex Brown, Marketing Director of the London Knights. “The players all grew up enjoying time with their friends and family on a pond or nearby community rink – having fun is what it’s all about!”
To find the YXU Ice Rink, head east to the end of Oxford St. and turn left down Crumlin Sideroad. Go around the bend on and onto Hurricane Rd. Free parking is available along the fence in front of the Airside Operations Center, east of the rink. Please do not park along the road coming in on Hurricane Rd/Spitfire Rd.
The rink is ‘use at your own risk’ and is not supervised. Children 5 years of age and under must wear CSA approved helmet. The London International Airport strongly recommends that all users wear CSA head protection.
It is open from 07:00 to 21:00 every day and includes outdoor lighting and a hut to get ready in. The availability is dependent on consistent cold temperatures, so stay tuned on our social channels @flyyxu for updates.
The ice rink is one of several recreation options, free to use at London International Airport. There is the YXU Airpark, located on Creamery Rd. (off Dundas St.), that is equipped with free parking and informational signage on aviation history and aircraft to look for. In the summer months, YXU offers beach volleyball and pickleball courts.
To view a map of the location and read more about community recreation at London International Airport, visit flyyxu.ca/recreation