Ron Schaerer is the main volunteer at the outdoor rink in Riverside. File Photo/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE COMMUNITY

Volunteers maintaining Riverside Park rink quit, according to social media post

Jan 12, 2025 | 9:45 PM

A group of longtime volunteers taking care of an outdoor rink at  Medicine Hat’s Riverside Park appear to have quit because of complaints made to the city.

Over a dozen rinks located in parks across the city are made possible through volunteers who step up to manage and maintain the rinks for the rest of the community.

In an anonymous post to social media, the volunteers thanked “those who have used and enjoyed the rink over the past 22 years.”

“It has been a true pleasure,” they added.

The post named Ron Schaerer, who has spent 17 years maintaining the boarded rink.

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READ: Nasty note left at Riverside outdoor rink about it being closed

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A negative note aimed at insulting Schaerer was left at the rink in February 2024.

He also had to clean up feces and urine from a bench by the ice that winter season.

The post went on to outline reasons the rinks can sometimes be closed, including warm weather and the time it takes to recreate a smooth, safe surface.

“So yes of course they will close the rink when they are working on the ice. And of course they will keep it closed while the ice is forming,” wrote the anonymous user.

“Now that you have complained and made your opinion clear that you do not care about a safe skating environment you get your wish!”

CHAT News is attempting to get in contact with the Schaerer and the volunteers. A request for comment will be submitted to the City of Medicine Hat on Monday.