March 2024
What a season for our rink! There have been lots of opportunities for Jason Mohler, our new rink master, to learn more about the freeze/thaw cycles on the outdoor rinks and the patching and upkeep that is needed!
Cheers to our volunteers, and all the people who have shovelled after the snow, moved the nets on and off the ice and generally contributed to the overall maintenance!
Our rinks are a success because of our volunteers, including Jason, Wayne (our former rink master), and all the others who come out to help.
The rinks will stay up as long as the weather is cold enough overnight to keep the ice frozen!
If you’re not sure if the rink is okay to skate on, please check the sign at the rink. We put it out whenever we are doing maintenance, or if the ice is too soft.
Thanks so much to all our volunteers and the skaters who are enjoying (enjoyed) the rink!
February 2024
It’s been a great start to a fun winter season so far! First of all, I’d like to thank all of our volunteers that make the outdoor rinks so successful. It’s a lot of work and the people in this community are always ready to lend a hand and help when they can.
Your help shovelling after snowfalls and bringing hot water when we flood the rinks is greatly appreciated. The outdoor rinks couldn’t happen without you!!
I hope everyone had an awesome holiday and were able to spend time with friends and family. Hopefully the weather continues to cooperate and we can have excellent ice this season. I finally bought some skates myself and am going to be out there learning as well!
It’s great to see the older kids in the community looking out for the younger ones and taking time to teach the younger kids about skating and hockey!! My son Jack wouldn’t be so excited about hockey if it wasn’t for the older players including him in games and teaching him how to shoot and stick handle.
The rinks have been seeing a lot of use and everyone has been doing a great job following the signs when we need to stay off the ice. We started off the year with a bit of warm weather and used that time to fill the rinks with more water. Big shout out to Big Rock Water Hauling for helping us out with more water on short notice! Looks like the cold weather is here to stay now so that will be great for the rink.
See you on the ice!!
Jason Mohler
January 2024
Flavelle Park Adopt-A-Rink Reminders!
Everyone is welcome to use the rinks at Flavelle Park. The rink is set up and maintained by a dedicated crew of volunteers and funded by the community association and the City of Calgary.
Here are a few reminders so everyone can enjoy the skating experience.
1. Follow all posted rules and regulations: Pay attention to any signs or notices posted at the rink and follow them accordingly. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all skaters.
2. Wear appropriate attire: Dress warmly and wear appropriate clothing for skating, including gloves, hats, and warm socks. It is also recommended to wear a helmet for added safety, especially for children.
3. Keep a safe distance from other skaters: Maintain a safe distance from other skaters to prevent accidents and collisions. Be aware of your surroundings and be considerate of other skaters’ space.
4. Use the right ice rink: The smaller rink is for beginner skaters and the larger for more experienced. You are welcome to use both , but please be aware of who is on the ice with you for safety and a fun experience .
5. No rough play or excessive speed: Avoid engaging in rough play or skating at excessive speeds that may endanger yourself or others. Skating should be done in a controlled and safe manner.
6. No food or drinks on the ice: Do not bring food or drinks onto the ice surface. This helps to keep the ice clean and prevents accidents caused by spills.
7. No smoking or alcohol: Outdoor skating rinks are typically smoke-free and alcohol-free zones. Smoking and consuming alcohol are not permitted on the premises.
8. Fire pit is available for all to use: Please clean up the space after you are done, or next day if it gets too late in the evening. Follow the safety rules on site of the fire pit.
9. Report any hazards or maintenance issues: If you notice any hazards or maintenance issues, such as uneven ice or broken boards, report them to rink@fairviewcommunity.ca.
10. Respect the rink and its surroundings: Treat the outdoor skating rink with respect. Do not litter, vandalize, or damage any property. Keep the area clean and enjoyable for everyone.
If you have concerns or questions, or see damage or unsafe conditions, please reach out to our Rink Master at rink@fairviewcommunity.ca
December 2023
Build/Set-Up
Timeline: Early December (or whenever the snow and ice stops melting on the roads)
This task requires as many people as we can get working together to get the rink area built. No experience is required, just hands to move things around and put the boards together.
Flooding
Timeline: We have a water truck that delivers water for the initial flood, and then periodically during the
season. Sometimes it’s during the day, but most often it is in the early evening.
Not much work is required other than to assist the truck where needed and monitor the boards and tarp, to make sure things are in order.
Maintenance
Timeline: Throughout the season, we monitor holes and other issues with the ice, as well as the rink area in general. While the rink isn’t being used, you can use hot water and snow to make slush and fill in any holes in the ice. For general cleanup of the rink area, we ask that everyone keeps an eye out for lost items, damage, litter, etc. so we can make the rink a better experience for all.
Take-Down
Timeline: At the end of the season, we all have a big cry because we will miss the rink, and we take the rink apart. A large group helps to disassemble, load into trucks, and store at our brand-new storage sea can located at Fairview Park.
Events
We are considering a Winter Festival party in 2024, to get the community together. If you are interested in helping out, please reach out.
Click here for more information on Natural Ice Rink Management.