This winter marks the third year in a row that Calgary’s Norm Price has put in his own time, money and effort to give residents a free place to skate.
This year, he created two huge outdoor skating rinks, with one measuring approximately 200ft x 85ft feet and the other being about twice that. Price reports that the ice is smooth and ideal for a game of hockey, or a more leisurely skate for those who don’t wish to take part in a game. A report in the Calgary Herald said the rinks are not overcrowded, and there is room for anyone who wants to come out and enjoy some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
Price has gone even further than simply building and maintaining the rinks, as he has even spent his own money to promote them on ad site Kijiji. His friends and some volunteers are also lending a hand.
Last year, he won an award from Canadian Tire for his efforts to make skating more accessible. He was given $1000, which he used to purchase equipment for the rink.
According to Price, he would eventually like to procure some sponsors and hold an old-style pond hockey tournament. If he does, a printing company would be able to provide all the promotional materials that might be needed to make the event a success without biting too hard into its budget.
