Sundre residents will once again soon have the opportunity to partake in a traditional winter Canadian custom.
In partnership with enthusiastic members of the community, the municipality began last week the effort to install an outdoor rink near the Sundre Skatepark.
Depending on the weather, the ice surface was expected to be ready early in December, said Ian James, community services manager.
"We're working closely with some of the volunteers to get the trenching to get the lights in place," James told the Round Up last week.
Following a recent presentation to elected officials, who were supportive of the proposal, administration ó which can approve without a council motion expenses that come under a certain cost ó proceeded to purchase an outdoor rink system from a Calgary company at a cost of about $6,300.
Work was underway last week to start getting ready the 18-inch high boards that clip together, as well as dig the trenches to accommodate the installation of power poles to ensure the site is suitably lit in the evenings, said James, adding volunteers from Fortis and Mountain View Electric were assisting.
Because the forecast was calling for a spell of warmer weather, which actually facilitated trenching, he said flooding the surface would not likely happen until the first week of December, depending on weather.
While the light standards are being donated, there will be some minor ongoing costs, including the power bill, as well as staff time dedicated to check on the site and ensure the rink is maintained during regular weekday hours. On evenings and weekends, volunteers will assist in making sure the rink is maintained, he said.
Even though volunteers will be lending a hand, any risk or liability still falls on the municipality, so administration wants to make sure town staff are checking to make sure the rink remains safe during daytime hours, he said.
"We have procedures in place the volunteers will follow," he added.
Additionally, there will be signage to outline the rink's rules of use, including the restriction of young children from skating without adult supervision.
"We want them to be supervised at all times," he said.
The rink will be available to the public free of charge, although there will be a schedule offering opportunities for family public skates as well as shinny, he said.
On weekdays, free skates will be scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by shinny from 3 to 6 p.m. so children can stop by to play sticks and pucks after school if they are so inclined. Then, from 6 to 8 p.m., families can come out after supper to enjoy skating without worrying about flying pucks. Adults who want to slap a puck around will be able to do so from 8 to 11 p.m., he said.
Weekends will feature a similar schedule. Opportunities for shinny are lined up for the following time slots: 8 to 11 a.m., 2 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 11 p.m. The remaining hours in between ó 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. ó will be reserved for public skating, he said.
Some of the rules that will be posted will include inspecting the surface of the ice prior to use and making sure children under the age of 12 are supervised. Although the municipality cannot technically force people to wear protective headwear, James said people are nevertheless encouraged to consider putting on a helmet. Additionally, alcohol will not be permitted on the site, and residents are asked to be considerate and accommodating if the rink is crowded.
"Volunteers and staff will monitor the situation," he said. "I have a feeling it's going to be busy."
The community services manager expressed gratitude to the volunteers who pushed the issue forward.
"I'm quite excited actually. I'm a firm believer that outdoor rinks are part of the Canadian culture. The fact we have so many residents expressing interest, it's our responsibility as a town to make it available."
Many people expressed supportive comments on the Round Up's Facebook page when news of the proposed project was recently announced.
"Outdoor rinks are essential...it's winter, go outside and play," posted Shari Leedahl.
"Outdoor rinks are part of Canadian history ó every kid should be able to enjoy them," said Darryl Murphy.
"There should definitely be an outdoor rink in Sundre!" wrote Sharon Olsen.
Others were pleased to have a more accommodating option for a chance to take children skating.
"The times offered for pubic skating (at the Sundre Arena) do not always work for parents to take kids. The flexibility of the outdoor rink is wonderful!" said Susan Blatchford.
