Upgrades to the kids rink at the Trail Memorial Centre are now underway.
In January, the Murphy Family Foundation’s announced a contribution of $703,800 US (approximately $945,000 Cdn) toward the project, which includes replacing the sand floor with a concrete floor to help maintain the ice during the warmer months and new arena boards. The overall project is worth about $1.25 million.
“It’s a great time to revitalize it,” says deputy parks and recreation director Robert Baker, who notes that the rink was built 70 years ago.
“It’s going to be an extremely nice rink. The kids rink was already in my opinion the best rink in the Kootenays for kids hockey because it’s a perfect size. Having a new concrete floor will take it to the next level.”
Baker says the new floor will be easier to maintain and allow for events and programs in the off season. The new steel boards will replace old wooden ones and taller glass will be installed at the end. Baker said the rink will be shifted slightly north so player benches are on opposite sides and a little roomier.
Baker also said “one of the most exciting” parts of the project is reinstating the McIntyre Room as a viewing area. It was originally a place for parents and instructors to watch, but got boarded up over the years and was used for meetings or band practices.
“We’re going to open up the staircase that leads from the kids rink to the McIntyre Room and with any luck allow parents, grandparents, and siblings to watch kids on the rink skating rather than being down below where the space is a bit more limited,” Baker said.
The skate rental shop is also undergoing a renovation, including new skates, racks, flooring, and façade. Baker said it has “bounced around” within the building for a few years, but they wanted to give it a permanent home. It will also mean having a separate janitorial space, as the two have been shared for years.
The city expects the project to be completed in early-to-mid-October.