SUNDRE – With the installation of boards and safety fencing at the new permanent outdoor rink expected to be completed as of late last week, the municipality is waiting for consistent below-freezing temperatures to make the ice.
Town council heard during its recent regular meeting that the mercury should ideally remain consistently at or below -4C for several days in a row to facilitate the process of flooding the surface, which requires several applications of water and time enough between each for the ice to set.
“That’s the reason that the rinks have not been flooded yet, (is) because we need consecutive cold weather for a number of days,” said Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer.
Located immediately adjacent and to the west of the Sundre Skatepark along 2nd Avenue NW across the street from the Sundre Rodeo Grounds’ racetrack, the permanent outdoor rink’s concrete pad was poured this summer.
Prior to the installation of the permanent rink, the municipality had lined up arrangements for a temporary rink using collapsible boards that are now being used for a seasonal rink at the Royal Purple Park in Sundre’s northeast subdivision along the 8th Avenue loop.
And while the new rink will of course be used for skating throughout the winter months, the concrete foundation will also enable other activities such as basketball during the off-season.
