[David A]

This is true, however an unpaved rink can become a dog arena in the summer months, or if it's paved it could be used for either Basketball or Ball Hockey. If it's just a rink over grass and doesn't have any boards, then it just becomes a grassy field for picnics. Whereas a not operating fountain is just a not operating fountain.

A fountain is just a fountain, whereas a sports facility can (and probably should) be multi-purpose and can be used for different activities depending on the season.

Yes, it can be multi purpose, but a fountain does not have to be huge and take up as much space as an ice rink. Probably a rink over grass without cooling would not do well on those days in winter when it warms up.

We do have a surprisingly variable climate. If you want to extend the season adequately for the outdoor rink you have to do it properly. I really doubt the city would do a rink over grass here.

 

[Stevey_G]

The fact that we are talking about space constraints for a 1.4 hectare park is a sign in itself that it is disproportionately designed and maybe the city should go back to the drawing board.