Strathmore outdoor rink breaks ground

Justin Seward

Times Reporter

 

After just over a year of planning, the new Strathmore outdoor multi-use surface will finally break ground and will have a projected opening date of June this year. The location will be on Strathmore Ag Society Ground, right behind the aquatic centre. “We’re hoping to build it by the spring. We’ve been awarded a $75,000 grant from Alberta Lotteries, Strathmore Lions committed to supporting the project as well, they’re going to be our title sponsor,” said Dawn Shave, chairperson of the outdoor rink committee. The project came about after some volunteers saw the need for more ice in Strathmore because it was very limited for public skating. “It was a group of volunteers that got together a couple of years ago and started working towards it. The Ag Society was approached first and thought it was a fantastic idea and they generously donated the land, “ said Shave. “Then it was deciding how the rink would be operated and maintained after the fact. We partnered with the town, they will maintaining the surface and handling the operations.” The outdoor rink will be the main attraction, but the intention is for it to be a multi-sport facility. “First of all, we just don’t want it to be a rink, it’s going to be a concrete surface that can be used all year round. So maybe lacrosse, figure skating, public skating for families, (and) we want to put up basketball nets for the summer time,” said Shave. “We want it to be very community driven. We want local members of the community, businesses to be involved, they ‘ll be approached for sponsorship.” The committee encourages everyone to use it, saying that it will improve the recreational options in the Strathmore area. “(The feedback) has been really positive. I mean we haven’t done a lot of advertising because we did really want to make sure that everything was in place before we took it to the community,” said Shave. If you would like to get on board or further information, you can leave a message on their Facebook page, ‘Strathmore Family Outdoor Rink’, and someone will connect with you there.