Dale Frier Memorial Outdoor Arena is now open for the winter. (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

Winter Fun

Melfort outdoor rink now open

Dec 18, 2019 | 10:17 AM

The Dale Frier Memorial Outdoor Arena is officially open for the season.

The arena located east of Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate on Brunswick St., is operated by the Melfort Kinsmen and is a main attraction for skaters and hockey players in the area.

Kinsmen member Mike Cole said the rink has seen better days so it should be used with some caution.

“We are working diligently to get more funds in place to build a new one but until that time we need people to be aware of some possible dangers that may come up when utilizing an outdoor arena,” Cole said.

If there are any repairs or concerns at the rink, it is important to get in touch with any member of the Melfort Kinsmen or the city.

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

8h ago

Fire in Nipawin area

Fire destroys house in R.M. of Torch River

10h ago

Election results

New and familiar faces elected during municipal election in Northeast communities

11h ago

“Generally, we flood late in the evenings at around 9:30 or 10, so sometimes if there are people using the rink, we will have to just ask them to move aside so we can maintain the ice surface,” Cole said.

Those who are utilizing the rink are also asked to help out with keeping the shack and area surrounding it clean.

“Keep in mind that there are younger children that will be there at times so watch the language, there is no alcohol please, and try not to vape too much in the shack as well,” Cole said.

With opening day set to be a high of -3 C, Cole said that will definitely get the season off to a great start.

The Kinsmen and Kinette clubs have taken over the Rooster hockey tournament and all funds brought in from that weekend are being set aside for the outdoor arena upgrades.

It is unclear as to when the rink was first put in, but it was put in a few years after the outdoor swimming pool was torn down.

“It was in that exact same spot, in fact the two lights that are there were original lights from the swimming pool,” Cole said.

The goal would be to keep the rink in that same location when the time comes to upgrade to a newer facility.

The Melfort Kinsmen meet on the first Monday and third Friday of the month and are always open to new members.

“Come see what we are all about, it doesn’t mean that you are joining right away but come see what is going on and how you might be able to help out,” Cole said.

The 2020 trip of the month tickets are now available for purchase through both the Melfort Kinsmen and Kinette clubs.

–

angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser