The ice is nice…
Montrose Ice Rink Now Open!
Ice Skates Available For Check-Out At Montrose General Store
For Immediate Release—The outdoor ice rink located just south of the Montrose Softball Complex is frozen and ready for action! The rink is one of the only outdoor facilities available outside of Sioux Falls, and is being maintained by community volunteers.
A variety of ice skates, hockey-style and figure, is available for check-out at the Montrose General Store. The used skates were purchased using funds available to Montrose through the Horizon’s Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty Program. Montrose was chosen to participate in the program in the fall of 2006, and is now in the action phase of the Horizon’s process. The ice rink is just one of the many projects being tackled by volunteer committees. The committees were formed during the Montrose Vision Plan meeting, held December 2.
“Getting more people involved in a healthy activity like ice skating is exactly the type of thing Horizon’s is here to promote,” said Horizon’s Community Coordinator, Martha Landes. “One of the goals was to provide more opportunities for area residents. Hopefully people of all ages will take advantage of this great asset to the Montrose community.”
Plans to improve the ice rink include bringing in some picnic tables for sitting, and possibly building some benches for changing into and out of skates. The ice skating rink committee is also looking into future plans for a winter shelter near the rink, installing an overhead light and other enhancements.
Skate donations—especially very small and larger sizes– are also being accepted at the General Store, in addition to the twenty pairs already available. Use of the ice skates is free to the public, but the ice rink committee asks that the skates be returned immediately after use so others can enjoy them.
For more information on the ice skating rink or to volunteer your time in maintaining the rink, building benches or teaching others to skate, contact Jamie Grosdidier at 605-363-3927.
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December 21st, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Excellent idea, Montrose. Ice skating is a great activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Your timing is perfect for the kids to make use of the ice skating rink over their Christmas break!
Dawna/Sanborn Central
December 21st, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Very cool about the ice rink. We are also making an ice rink in Whitewood. We had quite a bit of ice the other day, but then we had 3 days that were about 48 and it melted some, I haven’t been up there the past few days to check it out. But ours will be open too soon. I love the idea of the skate rentals though. We are like you all and hope that it works out and we want to add lighting and shelter at some point in the future too. Awesome job! Tammy/Whitewood
December 28th, 2007 at 11:31 am
This is an excellent first project to complete from our Visioning Plan! I want to thank all of those people who were responsible for getting this underway.
I remember vividly skating hours upon hours while growing up in a small town in Minnesota. It’s a great recreational activity–excercise, fun and outside air–a wonderful opportunity for our young and older people alike.
In fact, it’s been years since I’ve had on a pair of ice skates, but I think I’ll find a pair and check out the Montrose Ice Rink. Anyone else ready to join me?
January 7th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Yes, I agree! It is a wonderful project for Montrose. I’m so excited about it.
I’ll be in town on the 15th for the meeting. Should I come early to skate or plan to stay long after dark???? I really want to give it a try. Connie - what do you think?
Martha
January 13th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I’m sorry to say I haven’t gotten skates, yet, Martha. But I’d be happy to come down and cheer you on!