Natural Ice Rinks

My attraction to natural ice rinks stems from the fleeting nature of these neighbourhood forums, which are created and maintained with much effort. These ice spaces reflect the people who use them, while also building connections in a neighbourhood. I am inspired to document the everyday rituals that give meaning and character to a community. The rinks are a space for spontaneous gatherings, where unscheduled occurrences and connections can happen in small local ways. I have witnessed kindness and connection on the ice, as well as solitary moments of calm with the ice and winter air. This project that begun as a need to embrace Toronto winter, has left me with an appreciation of the unique ice playfields created by the warmth of people working together.