The public can finally make use of the newly built skating rink in Dysart et al.
Dysart et al has announced the outdoor skating rink that was under construction is finally open for public use. The former skateboard park was converted to a multi-use skating area back in December after the Haliburton Rotary Club purchased used boards for the rink and had them installed.
According to Andrea Mueller, the Recreation Program Coordinator for Dysart, the rink opening was delayed because someone walked on the surface before the ice was done creating large holes and bumps in the surface. Mueller notes the signs saying rink closed have been removed and adds that there are shovels around the rink for the public to clear off the snow when they want to use it.
When the rink was announced, the Parks and Recreation Manager, Andrew Wilbee said although the Rotary Club purchased the boards, the municipality will handle the maintenance of the rink, which he believed would be roughly 10 hours a week for his staff.
The municipality believes the rink will double as a ball hockey court in the summer. As well Ward Five Councillor Walt McKechnie suggested during the initial announcement of the rink that down the line there could be an awning or something installed to lower the maintenance needs.
The area where the rink is was formerly a skate park until the Rotary Club and others funded the creation of a full-sized skate park next to the municipal office on Mountain Street.