UNITY — Probably the biggest challenge for Unity’s Parks and Recreation Department has been the discovery of a structural issue on the curling rink side that ultimately ended the season for the Unity Curling Club.
“We have another group of engineers assessing it Feb. 13 week,” Parks, Culture and Recreation Director, Lisa Feser says.
Mayor Sharon Del Frari said once the final report with the estimated cost is received, the town will decide on a plan of action.
The addition of the streaming service, LiveBarn, enabled hockey fans to see games when not able to attend in person. However, Feser says there were a few issues with the feed not being big enough. It was upgraded in mid-February so going forward, so the problem should be solved.
The response to new off-limits areas of the rink has not incurred any negative feedback or occurrences.
“So far, so good. Signage is up and seems to be working most of the time,” Feser says.
Generally, the arena closes the last Sunday of March, however, that may be dependant on teams still involved in their respective league and provincial playoffs. The 2022 season was an exception as the West Central Wheat Kings U18AA were still actively in league and provincial finals, however, most years everyone has wrapped up by their seasons by this time frame.
The recreation department is starting preparations for their spring and summer recreation programming.
Once the arena ice is gone and the floor is dry, Unity Minor Ball will be using the rink for indoor practices and training for their upcoming season until the diamonds have dried. Feser notes that it is a good way for ball teams to get a jump on their season and “we may as well utilize the building as best we can”.
In other news at the diamonds, Feser says, “The town and UMB have an agreement in place to do another diamond this year.”
The ball diamonds can be one of the community’s busiest recreation venues for the next season and hopes are high that Unity will be hosting one or two events.
Feser said she is going through student resumés in the next week and their summer student staff will be confirmed shortly.
While the snow lasts, residents can still enjoy Mount Wilson sled hill, the smaller sled hill at Unity Kin Park including the Kin Club sled shed to borrow from and the Richardson Outdoor arena as well as the remaining playoff games taking place at the rink.
