Extension to ice facility proposed
COMMUNITY support is being called on to help further develop Alexandra’s Iceinline complex.
A proposed extension and upgrade to the facility will be discussed at today’s monthly Alexandra Business Group meeting, which the public is encouraged to attend.
Two new indoor lanes have been mooted for the north end of the existing rink to help meet demand for more curling in the area.
The current ice rink, which was always full to capacity, will also have a roof built over it under the latest proposal.
Alexandra’s existing rink would continue to be available for iceskating, ice hockey and curling. The new facility would be for curling only.
The aim of the new curling lanes was to help meet demand and have quality ice that would allow people to move from the traditional crampet curling — a standanddeliver technique — to the Olympic sport of hack curling.
Business group secretary Stu Millis encouraged groups and individuals to get behind the initiative to help ‘‘make it happen’’.
As of Tuesday morning, Mr Millis had 32 people registered to attend the meeting and hoped that number would increase.
Representatives from various service groups and members of the Lowburn Curling Club were among those who had confirmed their attendance.
‘‘It’s a big project, but if the whole town can get behind things like they did for the very first swimming pool [in Alexandra], then we can do this — we can get it over the line,’’ Mr Millis said.
‘‘If any town can do it, Alexandra can because we are always renowned for a great community spirit.’’
He said an aspect that would work in the project’s favour was to have the community behind it from start to finish.
‘‘What I’m trying to say to the people is that if the whole town gets behind one project at a time, we can pick them off one at a time, instead of applying for ratsandmice funding.’’
The Alexandra Business Group meeting took place at The Cellar Door from 7am today.
Iceinline representatives Murray Miller and Earnscy Weaver were guest speakers.