The Estevan Kinsmen and Kinettes Clubs continue to raise money for their outdoor arena in the Hillside subdivision.
The Kinsmen recently received a $30,000 donation from Ron Carson, and a $5,000 contribution from McGillicky Oilfield.
While the outdoor rink itself has been open for several months, and has been used regularly since then, there is still some other work that remains. The Kin clubs want to construct a shack that can be used where people can get changed into their gear. That will be the next component to be constructed.
The other addition the clubs want to make is to construct a cover above the ice surface.
Preston Majeran, who is the vice-president with the Kinsmen Club, said they haven’t put a price tag on the project as of yet.
“It’s going to be an ongoing thing for years to come,” said Majeran. “We’re not just going to stop at the rink. We’re going to make the park a better place.”
Majeran is thrilled with the usage the facility has received thus far. It was the site of a ball hockey tournament at the end of September. It has also been used by the Junior Coaler Rollers roller derby team.
“You can drive by any night, and you can see kids playing ball hockey when it was warmer,” said Majeran.
Now the Kin clubs are playing the waiting game for the temperatures to be cold enough for ice to be installed. He said it needs to be -10 C, or colder, during the day for a few days before the ice can be added.
“With the sun beating down, we really don’t want any ice to melt,” said Majeran.
The Kinsmen are excited to install the ice, and to play shinny at the outdoor rink.
“I think the surrounding area is really starting to look forward to it,” he said. “Hockey season is in full tilt around Estevan, and people just want to get out there and play on some outdoor ice.”
But the outdoor arena won’t be used as a substitute ice surface for the Civic Auditorium while the Civic is closed. It doesn’t have a regulation-sized ice surface, it’s an outdoor facility and it is a public skating area for shinny and skating.
The Kinsmen and Kinettes are continuing to fundraise for the rink. Proceeds from their Christmas tree sales at the Estevan Canadian Tire will go to the site. The Kinettes also have their annual craft show and sale on Saturday at the Wylie-Mitchell building.
The Kin Christmas Party on Dec. 15 will also support the park fund, which includes the outdoor rink.
