Outdoor rink to be a new pillar in Strathmore

Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Agricultural Society is planning on constructing an outdoor rink for the town, available for hockey, ringette, skating, lacrosse, soccer, and basketball.

“With the construction of the Family Outdoor Rink, our hope is to fill a void in the community,” said the Society’s Operations Manager Jessica Hall.

There were too many people for too little recreation space, and an alternate venue was in great need; the Family Centre Arena only has three per cent availability in their schedule. This new project opens leisure opportunities for all ages.

The outdoor rink will come equipped with safety lights, boards, fencing, and bleachers. The main objective of the Ag Society is to help promote healthy outdoor living year-round; however, they’re also hoping to bring new events to Strathmore, that we could now potentially present.

“The Society plans to launch the Family Outdoor Rink with the Heritage Classic. Modeled after the NHL version, we would host an outdoor hockey game,” Hall said. “The Heritage Classic will help foster a positive relationship with the youth in our community by featuring local hockey teams, and as a result the youth will take pride in the outdoor rink, reducing the risk of vandalism.”

The Ag Society will donate land for the Family Outdoor Rink (right behind the Civic Centre and Strathmore High School), provide liability insurance, and maintain the site once it’s up and running. Volunteers, donors, partners, and service groups are still needed — but once all the fundraising is complete, construction will begin most likely in August, and be finished by next year.

“This project will capture the essence of community a group of people who share the same passion, enthusiasm and determination; all working together towards a common goal,” Hall said.