Imagine getting all bundled up on a cold winter’s night to water the ice rink at Lions Park with the help of a new friend. This is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those of us who have been doing this year after year it’s a labour of love. Love of the satisfaction you get when you see that sheen of ice glisten in the night. Love of the sound of skates cutting into that cold hard surface the next day. Love of the screeches of joy you hear from the children slip sliding away. Love of the gratitude that is expressed by young and old.
It’s not easy maintaining an outdoor rink in our fluctuating temperate climate, but it is rewarding. It’s so Canadian how we cherish our out door rinks in Canada! It’s where figure skating and hockey stars of the future are born.
The ice rink at Lions Park has been a focal point for the community for 20 years. The rink is made and maintained entirely by volunteers from the community. Though the rink was a little late in the making last winter due to a warm December, it was useable for Christmas morning and remained in good shape until the end of February.
The Lions Club needs more volunteers to keep this tradition alive. Volunteers are paired and one evening per week the pair is scheduled to clean and water the rink from 9:45 to 10:45 p.m. Training is provided well in advance. If you are willing and able to contribute an hour of your time per week during the winter months to help with this task, call 250-551-6790.
Paul Major
Nelson Lions Club
