THUNDER BAY -- Engineering firms have begun bidding on a contract that would create an outdoor rink hub at the North End Community Centre.
If the city attracts affordable bids, a cover would be built over one of the community centre’s three outdoor rinks.
“The idea would be truly multi-seasonal,” said city supervisor of parks and open spaces Werner Schwar.
A covered structure would block the spring sun from melting the ice and Schwar predicts that could extend the outdoor rink’s life through March break.
He foresees the space will also be used as a covered shelter in the summer as a host site for picnics, pickup sports like ball hockey, lacrosse or bike polo, and even weddings or special events.
Covering the rink is expected to cost between $300,000 and $500,000 and its construction could begin as early as August.
Community centre president Barb Kukko has lobbied hard to improve the park since the city identified it as underserviced in 2009.
“It’s going to be the best playground in Thunder Bay, by far,” she said.
“When we have our soccer program going on, the basketball court is jammed packed, the beach volleyball now has taken off and that’s successful. Plus, of course, the playground structure and the baseball going on at the adjoined diamond.”
