Medicine Hat’s Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

The city’s parks and recreation department sets the rinks up while members of the community keep the them going.

Those volunteers are crucial, said Medicine Hat’s parks superintendent Dave Genio.

“They’re able to be there on a daily basis or every couple days to help us out, keep the surfaces clear of snow, doing floods where we have the opportunity for water to do so, and just general maintenance,” Genio told CHAT News.

Genio is hoping people will step forward to help with the rinks that have yet to be adopted.

“The goal is to get those done and available for people to skate on,” he said.

“Hopefully, the community understands what they’re doing for us is fantastic.”

Volunteers receive training, rack up hours towards potential rewards and are provided with some supplies or assistance when needed, Genio added.

Those that wish to skate at one of the outdoor rinks are asked to heed warning signs and check what rinks are open through Friday updates from the city.

“We do ask residents to make sure that they’re looking at the boards that are set up at the pond areas that are designated for skating or hockey and to not enter onto the ice unless they’re confirmed that it is safe to do so,” Genio said.

Any resident interested in volunteering to adopt a rink can fill out an application form at MedicineHat.ca. A full list of the outdoor rinks is available on a city map.

by Jesse Gill, Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat’s Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

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