The Estevan Junior Roller Derby Association is among the community groups excitedly anticipating the construction
and opening of the new permanent outdoor rink planned for the Hillside Kin Park.
“First of all, I was excited about it because we don’t have an outdoor skating space in the summer for roller derby,” said Lorelei Lachambre, coach and president of the association.
Lachambre contacted the Estevan Kinsmen Club, but was disappointed to learn that the original plan for a 60x120 foot rink wouldn’t be quite big enough to accommodate roller derby.
“The problem was that it was too narrow for a roller derby track. The roller derby track needs to be 75-feet wide,” said Lachambre. “We wouldn’t have been able to host any games or really run any solid practices without a full track.”
The difficulty with creating an outdoor rink space that could properly accommodate roller derby was the price. Estevan Kinsmen Club vice-president Dave Elliot, told Lachambre that to add another 15 feet of width to the rink would cost over $18,000; a price tag the non-profit Roller Derby Association could not afford.
Upon Elliot’s recommendation, Lachambre consulted the Kinsmen Club, trying to figure out a way to work together, to build a bigger outdoor rink. Lachambre attended a club meeting and made her case. A vote was placed, and her idea received unanimous support from everyone present who voted.
“I went to the meeting, gave a presentation on junior roller derby, what an outdoor rink would be to us, how we would utilize it, and what it would mean to the kids that are in the club right now,” said Lachambre. “They were sold. They were all in agreement on it. They were pleased it was going to not only be an outdoor rink, but that it would be a year-round facility for both roller derby and hockey.”
In order to help the Kinsmen raise the extra funds to create a bigger outdoor rink, the Roller Derby Association agreed to help out with the upcoming Dec. 5 Christmas Party at the Wylie-Mitchell Building. Lachambre noted that association members plan to help out with bar tending and serving at the event.
“It’s going to be a fantastic evening. The Kinsmen have set up a fantastic supper, a comedian, a dance and music,” said Lachambre. “We’re going to help out with that in any way we can, so we can help contribute to the money being raised for the rink.”
Both the junior and senior roller derby teams plan to utilize the new rink. Lachambre emphasized how excited the teams are to have more space in which to practice.
“Right now we do some outdoor skating, but it’s difficult because of the roads in Estevan and because of the traffic and safety. There’s not really a space where we can safely skate,” said Lachambre. “So, getting this new outdoor rink is a huge win for our club. Some kids are really going to benefit from the extra practice they’ll be able to get.”
