​Outdoor skating at Newmarket’s Riverwalk Commons and at the Community Rinks are now closed for the season. Newmarket thanks all residents who skated this season while navigating the pandemic and the changing rules and regulations. The Town is currently working on providing indoor public skating to the public and will provide an update in the coming weeks. 
 
With two ice surfaces at the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex being used to support vaccination efforts in partnership with Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket is working closely with our municipal neighbours to provide additional ice pads for community use.
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly been very challenging to navigate as we work to ensure we are providing the community with much-needed recreation opportunities, while supporting the Region’s efforts in vaccination.” says Mayor John Taylor. “We want to sincerely thank our neighbours in Aurora and East Gwillimbury for their partnership. This level of municipal collaboration is simply outstanding and a shining example of how we can all work together to provide public service in unprecedented times.” 
 
In the spirit of being neighbourly, the Towns of Aurora and East Gwillimbury both offered to help, recognizing the importance of the Town’s vaccination efforts to neighbouring municipalities and the need to provide recreational opportunities to the Newmarket community. At this time, the Town of Aurora is offering a dedicated ice pad at the Aurora Family Leisure Centre for Newmarket user groups such as minor hockey and figure skating. Once the needs of the user groups are met, the Town will look at accommodating public skating and private rentals.
 
As the seasons transition into spring and the summer, the outdoor Gorman pool will be opening this season and the Town is exploring options to provide modified summer camps and special events to the community. Camp registration is anticipated to begin in May and more information will be communicated as plans are finalized.
 
Currently recreational activities like the Fitness Centre and pool at the Magna Centre, pickleball (Quaker park), outdoor tennis (Keith Davis Tennis Centre), the dog park, playgrounds and trails are open to the public with existing health and safety measures in place. 
 
For more information on COVID-19 in Newmarket, please visit newmarket.ca/covid19, for information on what is open and what is closed in Newmarket, please visit newmarket.ca/reopen. For further information on COVID-19 in York Region, please visit york.ca/covid19