Fort McPherson’s arena reopened this month after renovations that have “completely redone” the facility’s interior, including new boards and plexiglass.
Jack Blake, who works for the hamlet’s recreation department, added the arena now has “a new and improved look.”
The work started last summer. The plan was to take advantage of the off-season to complete the project, but setbacks during construction caused delays.
“There was quite a bit of concern from the public,” Blake said, adding that, in November, people were worried the project wouldn’t even finish this year.
“For a lot of our community members, skating and hockey is their primary source of recreation,” he said. “People just wanted to get out on the ice.”
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Construction was completed in December and the arena reopened to the public on January 7.
That first day, the community held an adult skate, which Blake said 20 people attended. He said attendees were relieved to finally be able to hit the ice.
Since the reopening, Blake said he has noted an increase in the number of people registering for hockey programs. This year, he said 30 adults and 21 youth have signed up, adding that the community hasn’t had that many youth sign up for hockey in a while.
“This is a very big record number,” Blake said. “Last year, I think we had seven consistent youth, so 21 is crazy.”
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Blake hopes the upgraded arena fosters more growth in sport overall, beyond hockey.
“I hope the kids see their friends are going to hockey and having fun, and that just pushes them to be active within other aspects of their life,” he said.
Next month, the community will put the arena to use for the fourth annual Trapper Blake Memorial Tournament. The event will be held from February 7 to 9.
