The Michener Hill Curling Club is celebrating its 60th anniversary this season.
The building on 51A Street in Red Deer opened in 1964 and in 1985 became the Michener Hill Curling Association which was later renamed the Michener Hill Curling Club.
Since then, they've served the community for decades, giving members and the citizens of Red Deer a quality facility to curl, whether it's on men's or women's night or a school phys ed trip to learn the sport.
"The key is providing quality curling and certainly over six decades it's pretty impressive," said Brad Lyon, secretary on the board of directors of the Michener Hill Curling Club.
"The curling club is an important part of the curling community here in Red Deer. It's a very nice four-sheet facility with good ice and curling opportunities. On top of that, it provides a great community atmosphere. This is a club where pretty much everybody knows each other and that's something that builds over time."
Lyon has been a member of the curling club for two years and that community feel is what made him interested in serving on the board of directors.
He hopes to see the club continue to grow and even "rebound" following the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that difficult time, the club had to close down for a year and because of that many members did not return to the game and the club. Since then, they've been working to return to membership numbers they had before the pandemic, which now stands at 125 members.
To combat that, they're introducing a few new leagues this year in hopes of reaching more people.
"With any activity when you don't operate for a year, it's always a challenge to get people to come back," he said. "Even though we're three or four years after the pandemic, it's still part of what we're facing in hopes of increasing our numbers on the ice on a nightly basis."
Beginning later this month, they'll introduce a new curling league on Monday nights that will run until December. They want people who have never had a chance to curl to come out, learn the basics, and get the chance to curl against other people who are also new to the sport.
On Friday, they're also hoping to attract new curlers to their drop-in fun night. To take part in that particular event, you won't have to be a member and can drop in by paying a fee of $10. It will also serve as a chance for people to learn the sport while also having fun with friends, family, and other fellow curlers.
"We really want to focus on getting people who are new to the club, new to the community, and maybe even new the sport into the sport of curling and doing it here at Michener Hill," Lyon said.
"Our goal this year, while keeping that historical tradition, is bringing more people in who can be a part of the next 20-30 years here at the Michener Hill Curling Club."
In addition, on Oct. 19 and 20 they're hosting a club coaching clinic where those interested can learn the ins and outs of what it takes to coach the sport.
"We're looking forward to a great season celebrating that 60th anniversary and hoping people recognize what an accomplishment that is. For the long-time members here we hope they're proud of the role they've played in the growth, existence, and the future of this club."
To become a member or to find out more information on any of the upcoming events visit michenerhillcurlingclub.ca.