Shinny on the Harvest Rink

We announced our plans to have two rinks with winter water sources – one in Harvest Hills and another in Panorama Hills – in the Northern Edge News. We also showed photos from last year’s rink in Harvest (constructed using trucked water) to show the rink in action. Well, in our excitement, we reported the address for the location in Panorama Hills incorrectly, so once again, here are the two locations for the two community pleasure skating rinks:

Panamount Square Rink. Click for map.

Harvest Hills Pleasure Rink. Click for map.

There is existing winter water service at a site in Panorama Hills, located at Panamount Square, off Panamount Blvd NW (opposite St.Jerome’s school).

Both sites were originally planned as Adopt A Rink programs (discontinued) and the City has agreed to help get a pleasure rink up and running there this winter. With the help of volunteers from Coventry and area this will be our community’s second outdoor rink!

Volunteers flooding Harvest Rink

We have now installed the winter water at Harvest and accessed the existing water service at the Panorama site so volunteers are better able to flood and manage the rinks with more flexibility and according to the weather as it changes. As you can see in the photo (from early December in Harvest Hills) we are pleased to announce that the flooding process is underway at both locations through the efforts of some local residents (some with previous ice-making experience; and some not) who came forward to volunteer to help organize, flood and maintain the ice surfaces at the two rink locations.

Ice clearing volunteers

The sad news to report is that due to circumstances beyond our control (a broken city water supply pipe) we have had to suspend flooding at the Panorama adopt-a-rink location until it is fixed. We are working with the city to try and expedite the repair and will keep you updated as we learn more. In the meantime, the Harvest Hills location is fully constructed and waiting for skaters from all of the Northern Hills Communities.

Remember, these volunteers venture out, when the weather is coldest, to build up the layers of ice that eventually become the flat surface used by the skaters (typically in milder weather). So, many thanks! If you are out skating and come across one of the dedicated volunteers working on the ice… maybe stop and say hi and offer thanks… or perhaps bring a cup of hot cocoa or coffee… I am sure it would go a long way to letting these special folks know how much their contributions are appreciated.

Next steps will be to consider a new site for winter water installation in Coventry. The cost for such has become high but if residents feel we need another rink we will do our best to provide. We welcome suggestions for possible sites and ideas around fundraising.

If you are interested in joining the volunteer crews to help keep these rinks up and running throughout the winter, please contact community@northernhills.ab.ca and Happy Skating!