Boy Scouts help set up ice rink

BONNERS FERRY — Local Boy Scouts gave Bonners Ferry Parks and Rec crews a hand in helping set up the fairground’s seasonal ice rink.

On Saturday, Dec. 18, Scout Master Si Thompson, along with four Boy Scouts and a parent assisted Boundary County Park and Recreation staff in assembling the reasonable rink. Despite the heavy snow, the scouts went straight to work putting together and connecting the side walls of the rink.

Brandon Glaza, vice president of the Boundary County Parks and Recreation Board oversaw the scouts and went through the annual ritual of constructing the free community rink.

Glaza said that the rink is set up about this time every year and is removed in February or March depending on weather conditions.

The removal of the rink depends on the mud, Glaze said. Once mud gets on the synthetic ice it becomes a muddy mess and takes the fun out of the experience, he said.

Synthetic ice has been used the past four years. Before the rink would be flooded with water and left to harden, but the climate in Boundary County isn’t cold enough to keep the rink frozen, Glaza said.

“[In the past] It would be a puddle for five weeks and ice for one week,” he said.

The rink is free due to the High Five grant which encourages physical winter activity to the community. As well as sponsors such as Innovia Foundation, BNSF Railway and Boundary County Parks and Recreation.

Skaters skate at their own risk. Normal metal-bladed ice skates are required, no street shoes on the ice. Hockey skates and a helmet are recommended and those who want to skate need to bring their own.