Looking at the drone picture of the outdoor rink in Kipling, it is clear that Alan Batters put a lot of care into the construction of it. The large oval is even sporting regulation rink markings with the goal creases, red and blue lines and the face off circles of the highest quality.
Practice makes perfect because this is the second winter Batters has gifted the town with an outdoor rink for all to enjoy.
The first time he did it was for last year’s Winter Carnival.
“They were looking for an outdoor rink and they approached me because I had this property across from my house. We did the rink last year and the feedback was great. A lot of families were out there on Christmas eve, so we thought we would do it again this year,” said Batters.
Last year there was no pandemic and people had more options for outdoor and indoor activities. This year is a bit different, so Batters stepped up and made this year’s rink even more of an attraction for the residents of Kipling.
“This year we are doing a bit bigger and bit better. We actually put the lines in and goal creases and we added more lights and more fire pits and benches just to accommodate more people and to do it safely with all the Covid-19 restrictions and just get people out side,” said Batters.
The location of the rink is where the former Kipling hospital used to be.
“There is a little bit of sentimental value to that land. That land used to be the Kipling hospital. My son died of brain cancer on Christmas day in 2013. He was only 11. He was born in that hospital and sadly passed away in that hospital. So, when they tore it down, I said that I would like to buy (the land) if it ever comes up for sale. I purchased it. It is a nice park area, it is right in the middle of town, it has trees. So there is nothing better than putting a rink there for kids to enjoy it. It is a little silver lining,” said Batters.
The outdoor rink will also alleviate some of the pressure of the town’s indoor rink to accommodate people during a pandemic.
“Kipling has a rink, but especially this year with Covid-19, there are limited hours,” said Batters.
Now that the rink is built, all that is needed is for the weather to co-operate.
“You can have lots of kids that would not normally go to the rink that are out skating. It is very informal. You can’t have any organized events, you can’t say you are having a hockey game. It is just an open thing for the public the lights are on 24/7. Last new year’s eve we had people out there past midnight.”
Any good rink needs a proper zamboni to keep the ice smooth and safe for those who want to skate on it. Again, Batters stepped up and got one for the rink.
“I bought a zamboni. It has my son’s memorial photo on it, so whenever the zamboni is on the ice, he is on the ice,” said Batters.
