Sections of ponds and the river may seem frozen after frigid temperatures swept through the city last week, but that's not necessarily the case.
City of Cambridge staff are warning residents to avoid these areas as volunteers work to get outdoor skating rinks up and running.
"As for ponds or other bodies of water, the city would ask residents to please stay away from all storm ponds and bodies of water that appear to be frozen," Stephanie Watson, communications advisor for the City of Cambridge, said.
"Rivers may appear safe, but the ice might not be thick enough to support your weight due to the flowing current underneath. No storm pond ice water is safe and although water may appear to be frozen, it may not be safe to walk on."
The thickness of ice can be unpredictable and impacted by salt run-off and other contaminants.
The city has five volunteer-led outdoor rinks at Angewood Park, Can Amera Park, Domm Park, Lincoln Park and Victoria Park.
Currently, the rink in Lincoln Park located at 65 Center Street is the only one that's operational.
"These rinks are subject to availability based on volunteer support and the weather conditions," Watson said.
"We're still looking for volunteers to run the Angewood, Domm and Victoria rinks."
Kim Fowler, executive director at Fiddlesticks Community Centre who's helping get the Can Amera rink ready, is also urging residents to stay off the surface until it's officially opened.
When skaters hit the ice before it's ready, it becomes increasingly difficult to lay a foundation that will allow for it to remain up for an extended period of time.
"We're still working on the rink," Fowler said.
"People have been skating and it makes it more difficult to build the base but it's also hard to stop the excitement."
Like the Angewood, Domm and Victoria rinks, Can Amera can also use more volunteers, Fowler said.
Interested residents are required to fill out an application form, sit in on a Zoom meeting with the volunteer coordinator and perform a background check. No previous experience is required as thorough training is provided.
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and the work takes place between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit cambridge.ca for more information.
