As we move past the frigid arctic air mass that enveloped the country, many people are now looking at busting out their skates and going for a spin. There are a few outdoor rinks that are now open and being serviced, but there are still indoor rinks families can skate on too if they don't want to deal with the cold outside.

Ted Schaeffer, Director of Parks and Recreation in Moose Jaw, tells us about the recent upgrades at the Pla-Mor Palace;

"We just did the ice plant upgrade at the Pla-Mor Palace which was completed over the summer. One ice plant that's actually now servicing both the Bert Hunt Arena and the Wally-B, so that was a really nice upgrade. This was equipment that was starting to show its age".

Families who are out skating however, will have to be aware of a new rule that is being enforced at Moose Jaw ice surfaces. The rule says anyone under the age of 12 must wear an CSA approved helmet during public and free skates;

"It was time for us to upgrade that policy and to make sure that we're doing the best we can to promote safety on the ice. The last thing we want to see at any kind of activity we hold is for someone to get hurt. We thought this was a good step in the direction of improving safety at these types of activities".

The Parks and Rec department released their Winter and Spring Recreation Guide last week, which features public and family skate times at rinks all across the city. The guide features programs that include skating, but also activities like swimming, yoga, dancing, and even gardening.

"We are now starting to take registration for all of our programs. Majority of them will be starting within the next week or two. Registration is ongoing at the Kinsmen Sportsplex".