The 2016/17 skating season has come to a close and we had a successful year! I have said it many times, that McCauley has the best run community skating program anywhere. Our community has lots to be proud of, and this winter gem is one of those.

From November 28, 2016 to March of 2017 the rink had 1,608 people come out to skate. Norwood School, Inner City Youth, and Hope Mission brought out kids and adults for skates. Thank you to all the staff that worked at the rink and did a great job. Also, thanks to the staff from the City of Edmonton who ran a wonderful learn-to-skate program.

Our community couldn’t have such a successful program without the help of all our partners. A big thank you goes out to Al Hamilton and the KIDS organization, the City of Edmonton, Sports Central, and the McCauley Community League.

This year, the Family Day event was a challenge as the weather had been warm for a week before the big event. We were able to work around not having ice by doing lots of other activities. There were horse and wagon rides, face painting by Lady Dolphin, the very popular photo booth, hockey shooting skills, a fishing pond, a bonfire, marshmallows, snacks, hot dogs, great neighbours, and plenty of prizes. I want to thank Jane Molstad and McCauley Revitalization for the grant in order to make this event so special for our community.

The event wouldn’t be possible without the help of businesses and volunteers. Thank you to Darren Pielak, Shelley Hollingsworth, Roma Stephenuik, Albert Bernard, Fabian Bubel Hopkins, Wesley May, Andrew Hamilton, Graham Pretty, Adam Kuipers Glugosh, Harley Kuipers Glugosh, Grace Kuipers, Heather Workman (face painting), Drew Schamehorn, Al Hamilton, Sparky Kulchisky, all the board members from KIDS, Father Jim and Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, City of Champions Lions Club, Elite Sportswear, Challenger Insurance, Cowan Printing, United Cycle, City of Edmonton, the McCauley Community League, and to anyone who I might have forgotten.

The recreation committee is starting to plan some spring and summer events, so stay tuned! Everyone enjoy spring and we will update you soon on information regarding the new building facility that is being proposed for the rink.