(Supplied: County of Grande Prairie)

By Abby Zieverink

Outdoor Skating

County seeking volunteers to build, maintain outdoor rinks

Nov 6, 2021 | 7:00 AM

The County of Grande Prairie is seeking volunteers to help build and maintain outdoor ice-skating surfaces in residential areas or subdivisions over the 2021 winter season.

Parks and Recreation Manager for the County Christine Rawlins says neighbourhood groups can apply to install and maintain an outdoor ice surface in their community.

“A group of four of five people that would commit to organizing and preparing an ice surface on the municipal reserve in their neighborhood.”

Once a group comes forward with an application to maintain an ice surface, Rawlins says an inspection will be conducted by the county to ensure the proposed space is appropriate.

“Then, we will actually list the location of ice surfaces on our web page, so people know where to find an approved (ice) surface.”

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Rawlins says a grant program is available where volunteers can apply for up to $1,000 to get an ice surface started in their community.

“But we do not provide the boards, that’s typically something neighbours donate, or they solicit from maybe companies they work for.”

In a typical year, Rawlins says there are usually four to six rinks located throughout the county in which volunteers maintain.

“Last year we had one in Wedgewood, we had one in Carriage Lane, we’ve had one in Whispering Ridge in previous years as well,” she said.

“For most people, it’s a labour of love or a passion project. Quite often they get fired up to do it coming up to the Christmas holidays, whenever people know they’re going to be off work, or kids are going to be off school, so we see a lot of activity in mid-December, so people are able to use it once they have that time off.”

With the county highly encouraging outdoor recreation in the community, Rawlins says this volunteer program plays a crucial role in community building.

“It’s a great community-building activity and it’s a great way to get some exercise into their lifestyle, it’s great for families, people of all ages, grandparents, etc., and really encourages low-cost recreation right in their backyard or neighborhood,” she adds.

More information on the program can be found here.

The deadline for volunteer applications is November 30.