Christmas traditions … we all have them. Some of those memories include skating on an outdoor pond all afternoon and not leaving the ice until Mom calls you in for supper. Then heading right back out again whether it’s to practise their pirouette or passing the puck.
Kipling may have a new tradition thanks to Alan Batters, owner of Gee Bee Construction, who built an outdoor rink for the second year in a row with an ice surface of 100 feet by 185 feet. Yes it’s bigger than one he had last year and upgraded with red and blue lines and face off circles, and more lights to add that twinkle for skating at night.
Batters was approached last year about making an outdoor rink to coincide with the Winter Carnival so that was somewhat of a trial run.
“Last year was so warm so it wasn’t the ideal conditions for making the ice rink and we had to haul snow from all over the place to make the snow hill,” explains Batters.
“Last year people enjoyed it so much so we gotta do it this year,” says Batters. “With COVID, it’s outdoors and it’s perfect. For sure we have to do it.”
“It’s almost like they planted the seed last year and then it was a like a trial run last year. Who knew COVID-19 would hit us this year. It’s like it was almost meant to be,” Batters says.
Gee Bee’s staff were instrumental in getting the rink ready as well as the help of Bobby Byrnell with the ice making.
Surrounding the perimeter of the ice are benches and 10 firepits to cozy up to, increased from four to comply with social distancing.
“The first weekend more than a couple of cords of wood were used,” says Batters.
Whether the weather is mild and warm or cool and windy, people still tend to go out and make use of the space. It seems like there’s someone out there every day.
“It’s a good feeling to see so many people making use of it,” says Batters. “The school has been making good use of it.”
The property the rink sits on is in memory of Batters’ son Benjamin who passed away from cancer at a very young age. He was one of the last babies to be born in the Kipling Hospital in 2002. Sadly enough when he came back from Edmonton, he was at home for awhile, then went into palliative care and he passed away in the Kipling Hospital.
Batters went on to explain: “So when they tore the hospital down, I’d really like to buy this property. I didn’t know what I was going to do with it (at the time). The biggest thing is it is a park in the summer and started doing this rink in the winter. So it’s perfect.”
“On the Zamboni I do have a memorial picture of Benjamin. He used to play hockey so when the Zamboni is on the ice, he’s on the ice!”
All the other kids who went to school and played hockey with Benjamin think about him as well when they’re out there.
“It keeps his memory alive. So much gets forgotten so it’s a tribute to him,” explains Batters.
When asked if he sees himself doing this every year for years to come, his answer was simply, “I do actually. My kids are young so it’ll be there for awhile.”
“My mind’s already going, what can we do next? What can we do better?”
