The Eckville Fire Department has been out since Dec. 5 working on the town’s two outdoor rinks.
One of the rinks is boarded and the other is more of a kids’ rink.
Lieutenant John Philips says he saw the rinks being used for the first time this season on Dec. 9 and says they are “skateable,” but the Fire Department will continue to spray it down to build the ice up more.
“We build it up a little bit more and in the previous years the Zambonis come down from the main arena and flattened it out,” said Philips, adding getting the ice built up enough for the Zambonis is the current goal.
Chief Stuart Carde says the Fire Department started helping with the rinks at least 10 years ago because there was a need for it.
Philips added they have the portable water supply, making it easier for them to take care of it.
He also explained the biggest issue is when it snows.
“Anytime there is a large snowfall it has to get shovelled off,” said Philips. “It takes us about an hour each time to spray the ice, so if it snowed then that adds that much more time on.”
Philips said it would be helpful if people could volunteer their time to clear the snow from the ice surfaces after it snows.
“It’s less grief for us when we come to spray it down,” added Philips.
The two rinks are located just west of the town shop.
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