Community Rink

One winter night some friends and I tried skating on a patch of ice at the park across the street from our house.  We decided we needed more water to make a larger surface. Dad looked at me carting water back and forth as an opportunity for something bigger. He discussed things with our neighbour who lived next to the park and we began using their hose. This turned into a yearly thing in junior high and high school for me.  We set up a flood light for the nights and had quite a system of watering and care for the homemade rink.  It became very popular in the community and Dad was even on the news one night about it.  

I will never forget those cold nights when all the skating was done, watering the rink with Dad. Hearing the ice crackle and seeing the mist rise in the spotlight. Looking back now I would use the word magical.  I think I knew then how special it was and I certainly do now.