WINNIPEG - December 19, 2008 – The City of Winnipeg wants to remind the public that there are numerous opportunities available to enjoy outdoor activities at City parks and facilities this holiday season. The City offers a wide range of options and locations for winter activities; sure to be fun for everyone.

Winter amenities include: community club rinks, skating ponds, toboggan slides and hills, and cross country ski trails. A large number of these amenities are currently open to the public with others opening soon for the holiday season. Many of the larger/longer walking trails in parks throughout the City are regularly being cleared of snow.

Tobogganing

All of the City’s toboggan slides are open. At Assiniboine Park, an additional (third) toboggan run again this winter will allow the adventurous to slide one way, climb up and slide back to where they started.

Skating

The Duck Pond at Assiniboine Park is open to the public for skating. The fireplace will be on and the Christmas tree lit, so come and enjoy warming up between skating and sliding in the glass walled Duck Pond shelter. Other City skating ponds at Kildonan Park, St. Vital Park, and Harbourview Recreation Complex are all open now.

Cross-country skiing

The following cross-country ski trails will open to the public on Friday, December 19, 2008, at 4:00 p.m.: Assiniboine Park, Kildonan Park, Harbourview Park, St. Vital Park. La Barriere Park trails will be open by December 25, 2008.

Assiniboine Park Zoo and Conservatory

The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and noon – 4:00 p.m. on December 25, 2008. Come out and see how active the big cats get, as well as the antics of many other winter-loving animals.  For a warm-up, head into the Tropical House to check up on the Pirhanna, the African Dwarf Crocodile, the Ground Hornbill and much more. 

Come and discover what the warm, humid air of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory can do for you on a cold winter day! The “Solstice Celebrations” botanic display is on until January 11, 2009. The Conservatory is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For a complete listing of amenities, maps, schedule information, please visit http://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/ParksandFields/

Toboggan Hills

Hills are available during regular park hours.

• Civic Park - Kimberley Avenue & London Street
• Victoria Jason Park (Crocus Park) - Redonda Street & Victoria Avenue East
• Harbourview View Recreation Complex - 1867 Springfield Road
• Westview Park - 1 Midland Street

Winter Slides

All winter slides are open except Trafford Park, which will open in the New Year.

•  Assiniboine Park - 2355 Corydon Avenue (3 Slides) 
• Crescent Drive Park - 781 Crescent Drive (1 Slide)
• Crescentwood Community Centre - 1170 Corydon Avenue (1 Slide)
• Kildonan Park - 2021 Main Street (2 Slides)
• Bunn's Creek Park - McIvor Avenue and Rothesay Street (1 Slide & skating)
• St. Vital Park - 190 River Road (2 Slides)
• Fraser's Grove Park - Fraser's Grove and Woodvale Street (1 Slide & skating)
• Glenlee Community Centre/Trafford Park - St. Anne's Road at Beliveau
• Roblin Park Community Centre - 640 Pepperloaf Crescent (2 Slide)
• Waterfront Drive - Waterfront Drive and George Street (1 Slide)
• Wildwood Community Centre - 271 North Drive (1 Slide)
• Whittier Park - 869 rue St. Joseph North (1 Slide in park)
• Whyteridge Community Centre - 170 Fleetwood Road

REGIONAL PARK SKATING RINKS

Skating hours are from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted. (No maintenance on December 25, 2008.)

• Assiniboine Park Duck Pond (across from The English Garden) - 2355 Corydon Avenue. The Pond will be open this winter, changing facilities available.
• Kildonan Park Duck Pond (by Pavilion) - 2015 Main Street, Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., changing facilities available.
• Harbourview Recreation Complex - 1867 Springfield Road, changing facilities available.
• St. Vital Park Duck Pond - 190 St. Vital Road, Open Daily 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., changing facilities available.