Prepare to lace up your skates!
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- Published on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Kelwood Skating Rink expected to open soon
Photos by John Drinkwater and Christine Waddell
Left: An interior view showing the collapsed metal roof from the January of 2017. The collapse caused some damages to the ice, some of which can be seen in the photo.
Right: Kelwood鈥檚 brand new rink has been built on the site of the former curling rink. It will have many uses as a community centre as it is adjacent to the Kelwood fair grounds and campgrounds.
By Cassandra Wehrhahn
Neepawa Banner & Press
Locals can cross their fingers in hopes for access to the Kelwood rink this year.
It鈥檚 been almost two years since the roof of the old rink building collapsed on Jan. 14, 2017, due to an excess amount of snow blanketing it. The collapse left residents and those in the area without a rink, and the Kelwood Legion and other businesses struggling. Due to the damage, it was confirmed that an all-new building is in the works, and nearly completed, thanks to fundraising efforts and donations.
Without an operational rink to host sporting events or other festivities throughout the year, such as broomball and hockey tournaments, the community is missing out on some much needed revenue. Kelwood Skating Rink committee member Larry Henton highlighted just how hard it has been for Kelwood without an operating rink.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been darn tough on everything. The kids want to use the skating rink, the Legion鈥檚 been struggling to stay open, and the cafe thrives on it,鈥� Henton lamented. 鈥淚t鈥檚 affecting the community big time. If you lose the Legion, you鈥檙e pretty much done. The sooner we get it [the rink] going the better for the whole community.鈥�
Henton and RM of Rosedale councillor Duane Stewart revealed that they are hoping to get the rink fully operational in the winter months. Some progress has already been made, and though it may not yet be operational, Henton said it 鈥渓ooks pretty sharp鈥�. Heating is expected to be installed by the fall, with the committee estimating to fall short $100,000 to $150,000 for completion. However, the committee is hopeful that donations and fundraisers will help them achieve their goal.
The Kelwood Skating Rink committee has been raising funds through events such as Chase the Ace, putting on Bud 鈥榥 Spuds, and the Beer Gardens during the Harvest Sun Festival weekend. Henton commented on the support the committee is being shown, stating how good it felt that the rink is becoming a reality.
鈥淚t feels great,鈥� Henton enthused. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got the community behind us, and the surrounding community behind us as well. That鈥檚 a great thing.鈥�
Come the building鈥檚 completion, Henton and Stewart look forward to seeing the rink busy again.
