Ice skating with a side of kimchee — RBG turns Cootes Paradise into community hub

An age-old Hamilton tradition has a couple of new tricks up its sleeve.

In a press release Monday, the Royal Botanical Gardens announced that Cootes Paradise - known to some as Steeltown's most beloved skating rink - has been turned into a community hub.

The organization has long monitored and maintained the designated skating area at Princess Point, with staff measuring ice thickness each Friday - with safe skating conditions requiring it be about 10 centimetres.

But this year, they've added some new additions to the environmentally protected space, according to the release.

Visitors to Princess Point can now snack on chocolate-covered pretzels, baked goods and warm beverages available at the Collective Arts Container. On Fridays and weekends, the grab-and-go spot will also be serving kimchee hotdogs, cheddar hotdogs and braised beef sandwiches.

The organization has also added additional seating options as well as a fire pit.

And for those who like to get out for a twirl once the daylight crowds have dispersed, floodlights have been installed for late-night skating until 9 p.m.

The Collective Arts Container will be open Monday to Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Those hoping to visit Princess Point are able to park at 335 Longwood Rd., with additional parking available at Coronation Arena at 81 Macklin St. N.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com