Plans to build a new outdoor skating rink in Joffre are picking up speed after successful efforts to score some funding help.
Lacombe County Coun. Cliff Soper, who represents the area, said the existing rink is only about 20 metres long, isn’t level and was on private land. So a decision was made to find a new site for a full-sized replacement rink.
A county-owned former baseball field was found and the search for grants was on.
Nova Chemicals came up with $302,000 and the county provided $57,000. A $125,000 provincial grant has been applied for and another application is in for a $205,000 federal grant.
The completed facility will have a concrete pad that can be used for other recreational pursuits in the summer. There will also be washrooms built. It is hoped that construction can start next spring.