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The Future of Recreation in Rossland
Submitted by Omc on Wed, 04/07/2018 - 8:07pm
Attn: Fellow Rosslanders (Past & Present)
You may or may not be aware, but the City of Rossland has recently hired a consultant (MODUS) to analyze the recreation wants & needs of residents, specifically to determine the future of the Rossland Arena & Curling Rink as well as poll Rosslanders opinions on regional recreation (TRP). The timeline for this group to compile results and present a summary of options is August 30th (!!) which gives them approx 57 days to reach residents..during the highest vacation months of the year!
These are HUGE decisions and they involve not just thinking about what's best for today but for the long term future viability of our community. We realize everyone has different perspectives & priorities but would like to share some background info that I feel is important to consider:
The Rossland Curling Club is home to the Challenge Cup, the oldest continually played for curling trophy in BC, competed for since 1899! The Curling Club has a thriving league of adult, seniors and youth curlers, boasting the largest youth curling program in the West Kootenay region this past year. In addition both Rossland Summit and Seven Summits School have incorporated curling into their physical education program.
The Greater Trail Minor Hockey Association (GTMHA) (a past amalgamation of Rossland, Trail & Fruitvale), has worked hard to maintain a thriving hockey program and they rely on the use of Rossland’s ice sheet for up to 25% of their bookings for their program to continue at its current participation levels of over 400 players. Multiple tournaments are also held at the Rossland Arena each year bringing in families from all over the region who shop at local businesses and eat at local restaurants.
Skating is an integral part of PE programming through Rossland Summit School. Over 400 students from kindergarten to grade 8/9 all go skating at the Rossland Arena at least twice. Some classes go as many at 6 times and RSS would like to book more.
The Rossland Arena is 85% utilized by youth, hosting up to 525 kids per week in skating, hockey, figure skating and leisure activities. Over 22 weeks, the skating side of the arena has 13,602 users on the ice, which equates to an average of 618 users per week.
Please keep your eyes open for upcoming public input sessions and if you see the value we do in keeping these options in our community, for the benefit of citzens young and old, as well attracting new families to our community, please 'raise your voice' in support.
We are also raising money to help offset the cost of repairs to open for the 2018/2019 season. If you would like to help out we have a bank account at the Nelson & District Credit union (Rossland Arena Society), have a Go Fund Me account at https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-the-rossland-arena and can also accept e-transfer donations to rosslandarena@gmail.com.
Town: Rossland, BC Photos:
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