Surrey farm floods field for outdoor ice rink benefiting food bank

With prevailing freezing temperatures and clear conditions, Surrey farmer Jas Singh has brought Metro Vancouverites a uniquely Canadian winter experience for the second consecutive year in a row.

On Sunday when temperatures began to dip to -4°C, Singh of Surrey’s God’s Little Acre Farm flooded his field to create a massive outdoor ice rink for the community to skate and play on. After two full days of hardening, the ice surface opened for skating on New Year’s Eve and attracted about 1,000 people during its first day of this season.

It is open again on New Year’s Day (January 1) at 9 a.m. with a closing time aimed for 11 p.m., which entirely dependent on ice conditions and the help of tower lights powered by generators. The size of the ice surface permits up to 500 skaters at any one time.

Skating is by donation, with all proceeds going towards the farm’s exclusive efforts to produce 150,000 pounds of fresh vegetable crops this growing season for the Lower Mainland’s food banks.

More than $2,300 was donated on Wednesday, going directly towards the farm’s 2015 goal of raising $10,000 this year.

While skate rentals are available, there are limited pairs available; skaters are advised to bring their own skates. In addition, there is a music system and a concession area serving hot dogs, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

However, this could be the outdoor ice rink’s last day given forecasts for warming conditions and precipitation beginning Friday. Singh has also stated that the ice today will be a little rough from yesterday’s big turnout.

God’s Little Acre Farm grew 420,000 lbs of charity crops over the last four years and hopes to produce significantly more in the years ahead. Its operations were expanded significantly over the last few growing cycles.

See photos from last year’s outdoor ice rink at the farm: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2013/12/surrey-outdoor-ice-rink-farm/

Surrey Outdoor Ice Rink 2015

Date: Thursday, January 1, 2015 (additional dates pending on weather conditions)
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closing time is dependent on weather and ice conditions)
Location: God’s Little Acre Farm (16583 – 40th Avenue, Surrey)
Admission: Skating is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting Lower Mainland food banks
Note: Skate rentals are available, although limited. There is also be a music system and a concession stand serving hot dogs, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodsLittleAcreFarm

Feature Image: God’s Little Acre Farm via Facebook