Almost ready

Times Reporter

 

Renovations on the Gleichen arena have been taking place for a few months now and soon it should be ready for use again. The arena was one of the last sand floor arenas in Alberta, and thanks to fundraising efforts by residents they were able to raise the $375,000 needed for the concrete floors and new arena boards. 

“(We) just finished the cement about a week ago, painted all the walls and are just putting up the new boards now,” said Grant Schalin during the Gleichen Fall Fair on August 21. Schalin has been in charge of the arena upgrades, and he said they should be done in about two weeks.  Then it would just be a matter of doing some other touch ups and looking at some kind of bleachers to put in and then they will be done. 

A big door was put in at the east side of the arena so that big equipment, or even cars, would be able to get into the arena. 

“A lot of people are finding out we’re doing this and they are interested in renting. Even in Calgary with all the arenas they are looking for ice time, so if we can get them out here that’d be great,” said Schalin.  

“It’s been a lot of work, I’ve spent a lot of hours in here, but it’s well worth it. I think we’ll be able to rent it out year round.” 

He also said by having the upgrades done it will help the Fall Fair go smoother next year as well. Before the dinner takes place during the fair all of the trade show tables must be cleared off so they can make room for the dinner. Next year though they will have the space to be able to hold both without all the extra work. 

Schalin said he expects the ice will be in by the middle of October, just in time for hockey.