Richmound Arena set to open for another season after passing engineering report

“Makes sure that it’s safe and that it’s up to code, and then the engineer gives us the rubber stamp that we can carry on and use the building,” Welte said.

“It’s an old wooden building. So there’s always concern. They usually find a few deficiencies that we need to fix up and keep on top of. We try and stay on top of it,” he added.

“The last one, five years ago, we had to put in a better drainage system. So you know, we put some major money into that.”

Welte said they rely on residents volunteering to keep the arena doors open in the community of about 100 people.

“Every year when the engineer comes, they kind of give you this feel that you guys should be planning for a new one and saving up for a new one, and the plan forward should be to build a new one,” Welte said.

“We know that obviously isn’t going to be feasible. So, we’re just going to keep plugging away with the old barn we got and hopefully keep it up to code and keep it standing as long as we can.”

Welte said the arena is an important part of the community.

“In small towns, the center of the community is the rink. We had rec teams before, and a lot of the kids play in other centers and join with other centers, but they still go skating there,” Welte said.

“We still have the odd rec game; we used to have tournaments there. Over the holidays, people come home and they bring their kids,” he added.

“We do have the kitchen there, and we still host some events there and some parties, and some fundraising things. I think it’s very important to keep things going.”

When the ice will go in will be dependent on the weather.

“We do have artificial ice, so we can put it in whenever, but due to the costs and power and stuff, we kind of watch the weather. If it looks like it’s gonna get cold here soon, then we’ll put it in sooner. But, you know, if the weather stays nicer, we’ll probably hold off a little bit,” Welte said.

“We’re aiming for the end of November, beginning of December, and then the same in the new year. We keep it in February, and then we kind of watch the weather and if it’s an early spring and gets warm, then we’ll turn the plant off,” he added.

“But, if it’s gonna stay cold and the plant doesn’t have to work so hard, then we’ll keep it in a little longer, but we kind of play it by ear.”

Several fundraising events are hosted at the Richmound Arena throughout the year. They are promoted on the social media page, where people can also make inquiries about renting the ice.

by Jesse Gill

Richmound Arena set to open for another season after passing engineering report

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