The Fernie Leisure Services Advisory Board is currently seeking volunteers to help clear snow from the new outdoor rink, every morning at 10 a.m.
Many hands are needed to ensure that the rink is clear of snow before the daily hot flood at 3 p.m., performed by the Zamboni.
Currently there are a few volunteers clearing snow in the mornings who cannot continue to do it for much longer. As many children go back to school soon, there are many spots to fill.
The City of Fernie has provided the use of rink-specific shovels and a snowblower to maintain the arena, however, it is up to the community to step up and volunteer their time.
“It’s completely based on community volunteers,” said Jocelyn Sombrowski with the Fernie Leisure Services Advisory Board, regarding the upkeep of the outdoor rink.
When more than 8cm of snow falls, a loader will clear the bulk of the snow but shovelers and one snow blower operator are needed to clear the corners, the players benches, the penalty and timer boxes.
The Leisure Services Board requests that those interested in volunteering meet the loader operator at 10 a.m. at the outdoor rink. If he is not yet there, start by clearing the corners, pushing the snow one metre from the boards toward the middle of the ice, and hand shovel the boxes. Once the loader has completed a pass, the nets can be pushed to the cleared area.
Even if it doesn’t snow, the sides of the rink and the benches could use a daily shovel.
“Get the whole family to sign up for a day, or your service group, your team, your co-workers, your neighbours! Make an event of it!” said Sombrowski.
To sign up, visit:
Email fernielsab@gmail.com for more information about volunteering, or to make donations to keep the outdoor rink operating.