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City of Kimberley seeking volunteers for neighbourhood rink program

The City of Kimberley is looking for volunteers for the neighbourhood rink program. The rinks will be set up at Swan Avenue and/or Townsite and volunteers are an essential requirement.
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The City of Kimberley is looking for volunteers for the neighbourhood rink program. The rinks will be set up at Swan Avenue and/or Townsite and volunteers are an essential requirement.

“Unfortunately if we don’t have enough volunteers to spearhead the maintenance of the rinks the City won’t be able to,” said City of Kimberley Manager of Parks and Facilities, Brett Clark. “It’s dependent on the volunteers.”

The deadline for applicants is Nov. 13 and Clark says he is optimistic that the City will get enough people to look after and take care of the rinks, as the program has been running for many years.

The City provides volunteers with the tools necessary to maintain the potential two rinks, such as hoses, ice chippers, shovels etc.

“They will have to flood the ice and create a nice, quality surface,” said Clark. “Volunteers also ensure that the ice and walkways are shovelled and safe.”

The City provides boards and hockey nets and Clark says they have even received some funding that they are looking to put towards new LED lights to provide better lighting.

“It’s essentially an outdoor hockey arena but it’s not just for hockey,” Clark said. “Whether you’re learning to skate or figure skating, playing a game of pick up; it’s multi-use. I think it’s in all of our DNA to play hockey outside and we’re trying to provide the opportunity to allow the tradition to continue.”

Although, Clark says, there are bylaws around playing all night, residents can enjoy the rinks free of charge for as little or as long as they wish. There is no sign up sheet, simply grab your skates and get to the ice.

If you wish to volunteer, the deadline is Monday, Nov. 13 at 12 noon. The one-page application can be filled out at the City’s Operations Department. For more information, contact the Operations, Parks and Facilities Department at 250.427.9660.



Corey Bullock

About the Author: Corey Bullock

Corey Bullock is a multimedia journalist and writer who grew up in Burlington, Ontario.
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