A number of community members and dignitaries were on hand for the first ‘official’ puck drop at the newly completed Wasa and District Lion’s Pete Vereshagen Memorial Rink.

The Wasa and District Lion’s Club has always maintained a rink in Wasa and it has been a popular winter fixture in the community; however, without a proper concrete pad at the facility, it was difficult to retain a quality ice surface. The Lions Club and Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) applied for funding through the Provincial Community Recreation Program and received $70,482 in 2012.

The rink project included building a concrete pad, rink boards and a storage shed/warming hut in addition to the installation of additional outdoor lights.

The rink’s concrete slab is 72 feet wide by 168 feet long and was designed and constructed by Western Recreation Ltd, a specialty ice rink contractor based in Red Deer.

Prior to being awarded the funding, the Lion’s Club raised thousands of dollars for the rink by selling rink boards with business and individual donators’ names on them.

“We are so grateful to the province, CBT, RDEK and the many businesses and individuals who supported this project. The Lion’s have had a vision of improving this piece of recreational infrastructure for residents and visitors. We are so excited to officially open the rink and have this asset in our community,” the Lions Club stated.

Marilyn Bowen, Lions Club past president, thanked all the volunteers and club members, as well as funders and backers.

“It’s been a blast. I can’t say how much fun we’ve had building this,” she said.

The project was administered by the RDEK and Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter says it is truly a community project. It was also a concluding point for her, as she picked up the ice rink ball after the passing of her husband Norm, who was Area Director before her. Norm made the first application for funding for the rink but was turned down.

“I want to thank the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett and CBT for their support of the outdoor rink,” said Walter. “The community of Wasa has a big heart and this project would not have been possible without the generosity and hard work of the volunteers who have put in countless hours from planning right through the construction.”

Walter added the project was bolstered by about $25,000 in heavy equipment time being donated by locals.

“Wasa did come out in full. It was fantastic to see it all. This is a well-deserved, beautiful rink,” she said.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) allocated $8,800 to the project through its Community Development Program.

“Being able to access this new, quality rink will help Wasa residents be physically active and increase community well-being,” says Katherine Hamilton, Columbia Basin Trust Community Liaison. “Skaters of all ages and abilities will be able to take advantage of improved recreation opportunities and have a lot of fun and enjoyment on this new outdoor rink.”

A strong advocate for the rink, MLA Bennett said. “I am so happy to see the Wasa outdoor rink completed. Jane Walter deserves the credit and I am pleased for Jane as well. She worked so hard to make this happen,” said Bennett. “As senior as I am getting to be these days, I hope that I can come for a skate someday soon on Wasa’s beautiful, new, outdoor ice rink!”

CBT’s Manager, Environment Rick Allen, noted how he and others at the celebration were remembering experiences from their childhood and youth, skating on outdoor rinks in Ontario and Manitoba.

“The memories last a lifetime” for people using such a facility, he said.

Fittingly, Bowen explained how local children and youth were also involved in the rink’s construction, from age six and up.

“They were so happy to be a part of it,” she said.

The rink will be maintained by volunteers from the Lion’s Club, is free to use and is well lit at night.

There are still boards around the rink available for purchase to help the club and community complete the project. If you are interested in providing some support, your name/business name etc. (though no advertising or logos allowed) can grace a rink board (both sides). Call Marilyn at 250-489-9586 for more info. Cost is $250 per board.

The community is planning its first Winterfest Celebration at the Wasa and District Lion’s Pete Vereshagen Memorial Rink on December 31, from noon to 4 p.m. and everyone is invited to come out and celebrate this new community jewel.

Pete Vereshagen was the first creator and keeper of the Wasa rink (when it was located near the BC Parks centre), for about a 20-year period. The rink was moved to its current location when Pete died about 15 years ago.

Lead photo, pictured left to right: Wasa and District Lion’s Club Past President Marilyn Bowen, RDEK Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter (with puck) and Columbia Basin Trust Program Manager, Environment Rick Allen drop the first official puck on the newly upgraded Wasa and District Lion’s Pete Vereshagen Memorial Rink as members of the Wasa Lion’s Club and the Canning and Vereshagen families look on.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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