Dave Pancoast removes snow from the ice surface at the outdoor rink in Elkwater on Thursday morning. Kevin Kyle/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

RECREATION

Outdoor rink in Elkwater ready for the season

Dec 20, 2024 | 5:59 PM

The outdoor rink in Elkwater has officially opened for public use on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Volunteer Dave Pancoast has been putting in a lot of hours, with help from a few other volunteers to get the ice ready for the season.

A new concrete surface was also poured in the summer, over the old asphalt and painted for a new tennis court and a pair of pickle ball courts.

A liner was added over the concrete surface when the ice was put in this season.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 20-22

4h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat artist donates calendars for senior centre to raise money

Dec 17, 2024

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

Dec 14, 2024

The arena upgrades where made possible by over $90,000 in funding this year between a large grant from Cypress Country and some additional funding through the Elkwater Community Association.

Benches and some additional trees where also added to the site.

Clearing snow, and then mostly during the evening hours flooding the ice keep the volunteers busy.

Pancoast said he figures between Dave Ziegenhagel and himself they have put in about 40 hours since when they started making the ice three weeks ago.

“We got kind of started when we could see that we were going to get some consistent cold,” Pancoast said.

“Our whole idea is to have it ready for Christmas for the kids. I mean, that’s everything they’re out here for their holidays, and this is a play place for an awful lot of people.”

He adds the next major project on the wish list at the arena is to get funding to add a roof over it, to help extend the season and reduce snow removal requirements.

It would also help to provide shelter from the rain for those using the pickball, tennis or basketball courts.