Crescent Heights community members celebrate unveiling of new, NHL- sized outdoor skating rink

A new hockey rink opened in the Calgary community of Crescent Heights on Saturday.

It’s NHL regulation size. When the ice melts, it’s a dog run. And there’s easy access to downtown Calgary.

Late Saturday afternoon, members of the Crescent Heights community threw a little outdoor party to celebrate the most Canadian thing anyone could imagine when they opened a brand-new outdoor hockey rink.

“It was sort of a labour of love and persistence for over two-and-a-half years,” said Crescent Heights Community Association parks director Humaira Palibroda.

“We had an outdoor skating rink but it was all wooden boards,” she said. “It had reached the end of its life.”

It turns out that in winter cities like Calgary, a skating rink never sleeps, even when you can’t skate on it.

“It’s the hardest-working amenity,” Palibroda said. “It is the most well-used facility that we have. We have other things like tennis courts and whatnot, but everybody loves the outdoor skating rink – and it gets people out. It gets people active. They even come out in the summer.”

Before the ribbon was cut, Crescent Heights Community Association President Marie Semenick-Evans made a speech.

“A decision was made some 20 years ago to keep the boards up year round,” Semenick-Evans said. “And our community rink became more than just a winter playground.

“When winter faded, and ice disappeared, it became a gathering space for community events and even a playground for our four-legged community friends,” she added.

“No matter the season, it’s a place where the community gathers and that’s what makes this place so special.

“The rink is done, and it looks amazing!”

Saturday’s event featured special guests from the Flames Foundation including Harvey the Hound, Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Vernon, former Flame Dana Murzyn, Ward 7 councillor Terry Wong, food trucks, hot chocolate, hot dogs, poutine and mini-donuts – a Canadian sampling menu if ever there was one.

Palibroda pointed out that a hockey rink is many things to many people – and available to all.

“It’s something where people can actually get together and make memories (together),” she said.

“Actually have gatherings and parties – a kind of skating lessons that bring all sorts of people from – it’s free too! Which is another great thing.

“It’s accessible.”

Semenick-Evans described Palibroda as the hero of the effort -- which was funded with support from the city, the province, the Flames Foundation and the Calgary Foundation -- presenting her with a ceremonial Team Canada jersey for her considerable efforts.

“We owe a huge thank you to the powerhouse behind this rink – Humaira Palibroda, our parks director,” she said.

In November, 2024, the Crescent Heights Community Association received an award for its efforts to preserve the community’s heritage.

The Crescent Heights Community Centre is located at 1121 2 Street N.W.