A project to revamp Grosse Isle’s outdoor rink continues to forge forward.
Phase 1 recently wrapped up thanks to the hard work of community members and help from Mukwa Experts. The first part of the project included removing decades-old deteriorating plywood boards and replacing them with durable pressure-treated lumber.
End boards were made taller so fewer pucks will leave the playing surface. To top it off, new chain-link fence was added above the side boards. The outdoor skating rink becomes a beach volleyball court in the summer, so the upgrades can be enjoyed year-round.
“We were basically able to do all that with volunteers and labour done by the community,” said Monica Baldwin, second vice-president of the Grosse Isle Recreation Club.
“We got the boards up in place before we were able to flood the rink. If we hadn’t replaced the boards, they were so deteriorated and rotten that we probably wouldn’t have been able to have an outdoor rink this year. It was good to get that completed.”
The rec club has been able to raise $150,000 through fundraising and generous grants toward the project, which has a total estimated cost of $180,000.
Now Phase 2 is about to begin, which includes a complete replacement of the existing skate shack. The old shack will be put up for sale, with the hopes of building a larger and more inviting shack this summer. To complete the new building by next skating season, the Grosse Isle Recreation Club has begun a fundraising drive with the goal of raising the final $30,000 by June.
“The warmup shack has been there since 1976 and has served us well. The furnace still works in it, but the floor and foundation need to be replaced and the current floor plan isn’t ideal for the larger crowds we’re getting and for the annual events we host,” Baldwin said.
“We’re reaching out to our community and local businesses looking for one-time donations.”
The group has suggested donation tiers ranging from Friends and Family level at $100 to $250 all the way up to Platinum level at $5,000. All donors will receive tax receipts and permanent recognition on a sponsorship board. Donors helping with higher tier contributions will receive additional promotion as outlined on the group’s donation website.
To help with fundraising efforts, local filmmaker Randy Frykas is working on a video to showcase the outdoor rink. He will also feature the Grosse Isle rink in some upcoming Outdoor Hockey Club releases.
In addition to fundraising efforts by the rec club, the multiphase project has received contributions from the RMs of Rosser and Rockwood, the Richardson Foundation and the Art, Culture and Sport in Community Fund.
Visit grosseislemb.ca/donate for more information on the project or to make a do-nation.
Tribune Photos Submitted by Monica Baldwin
