By Patrick Newhook/January 20, 2022
Cape Broyle’s Recreation Committee has some big winter plans afoot for its sports field.
The committee is busy setting up a community skating rink. Committee member Heather Shannahan said the group was looking for an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. “To give people of all ages a place to actually go and safely skate,” said Shannahan.
The committee is building two rinks that both measure 32 feet by 90 feet. As of the time of the interview, framing for the first rink had been completed. Since then, progress has been moving along smoothly. According to Shannahan, they’re expecting to receive linings soon so they can get them filled.
One reason for building the outdoor ice surfaces was to provide a safe alternative for children.
“We have lots of ponds and gullies and stuff around here. I mean me as a parent, I have a teenage son who likes to play hockey on the pond,” said Shannahan. “As a parent, I would much prefer if he was skating on five inches of ice down on the field. For me, and I’m sure for a lot of other parents, having that spot to go to, that they can use safely and get some exercise and we don’t have to worry about them, that is the biggest goal.”
Shannahan said one rink will be dedicated for people to casually skate, while the other will be used for hockey.
Accessibility was a driving factor in building the rinks. People in Cape Broyle and neighboring towns can now skate safely within the town rather than having to travel.
So far, the response to the announcement and construction of the rinks has been very positive. Shannahan said people are excited cannot wait to use them.
“Feedback has been wonderful. The comments we are getting is, ‘How soon will it be open?’ We haven’t had any negative feedback as far as I can tell, and we’ve gotten a lot of interest from other people in other towns,” said Shannahan. “It’s good for all ages. Everything that we plan, there’s no age limits, no minimum or maximums, whoever wants to participate can.”
