SPRINGSIDE, Sask. — A volunteer-built community rink in Springside is looking for a new naming rights partner as the town continues fundraising efforts to maintain and improve one of its busiest recreational facilities.
The natural ice rink, built entirely by volunteers, remains a community hub despite the challenges that come with operating an outdoor facility dependent on winter weather.
"We are very much governed by the weather," said Springside Town Administrator Kathy Novak.
Because the rink does not have an artificial ice plant, volunteers must wait for sustained cold temperatures before flooding the concrete surface. Novak said ice is typically ready for public skating around the community's New Year's Eve skate.
The delayed start often means local youth hockey teams have already begun their seasons elsewhere.
"Unfortunately, because of that, we miss a lot of the youth hockey teams because they are already starting to skate at that point," Novak said. "It's not uncommon for us to have perfect ice until April, but they've moved on to spring activities by then."
Despite the shortened season, the rink remains home ice for four recreational hockey teams that use the facility throughout the winter. It also hosts the Springside Skating Club, which Novak said offers an affordable option for young skaters learning the sport.
Parents handle much of the organization's work, while a professional instructor leads classes.
"They pay a teacher to lead the actual classes, but the parents run the whole committees to make everything function," Novak said.
The facility also supports a low-cost youth recreational hockey program operated through Springside Minor Sport. Volunteer coaches, including players from local recreational hockey teams and parents, help children develop basic skating and hockey skills.
"It's just more about getting them active and learning," Novak said.
The rink offers free public ice time on most days, encouraging children and adults to practise skating and hockey skills outside organized programming. Donated skates are sharpened and made available at no charge for children who need equipment, provided they bring a helmet.
"We want kids to be able to come and skate, even if they don't have skates of their own," Novak said.
Beyond winter activities, the rink continues to serve the community year-round. The canteen operates throughout the year and has become a popular stop for residents and visitors.
The building is also rented for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions and other gatherings. During warmer months, local residents set up pickleball courts inside the facility, while children use the space for activities ranging from indoor soccer to skateboarding and cycling.
"We try to open it up as much as we can so kids have a place to play, even when the weather isn't fabulous," Novak said.
Recent fundraising campaigns have helped finance major upgrades. Novak said the town completed shingling on one side of the rink roof, a project valued at roughly $110,000, and replaced outdated lighting with more energy-efficient fixtures.
The improved lighting has made a noticeable difference for evening users, she said.
The town is now raising money for additional roof work and other facility needs. As part of those efforts, it is seeking a new naming rights sponsor after a six-year partnership with Ridge Runner Construction ended.
The original tender attracted limited interest, prompting the town to extend the process. Proposals for the naming rights partnership will now be accepted until Nov. 13.
Novak said revenue from the agreement helps offset operating costs and supports the long-term sustainability of the community-run facility.
"It's a lot to operate a rink and provide that much time for free," she said. "The naming partnership helps cover some of those expenses and allows us to keep investing in the facility."
