Bannerman Loop: Name picked for new ice skating trail

The ice skating trail in Bannerman Park near downtown St. John's has been given a name, just as it prepares for the first skaters to take flight upon it.

Bannerman Loop has been picked as the name for the trail, which is expected to be ready for this weekend.

The Bannerman Park Foundation unveiled the name Thursday at a ceremony at the park, which has been undergoing a refurbishment. Philanthropist Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, the patron sponsor for the campaign, picked the name.

Officials said they expect the rink to be known simply as "the Loop" by residents as they become accustomed to the feature, which will be able to run until April each year because of 16 kilometres of refrigerated pipes underneath concrete.

Mayor Dennis O'Keefe said the name is catchy and was a good choice.

"With kids and adults too, if you come up with a long name, inevitably it's going to be shortened to something," he told CBC News.

"So, going to 'the Loop' I'm sure will be echoed right across the city for a long, long, long time to come."