The Lewis Drive Rink restoration project is now complete. Residents can now enjoy a game of basketball, hockey, and lacrosse or throw on their roller skates.
This beloved rink, located in the West Quesnel Neighbourhood, was in bad condition with poor lighting. In 2015, community members Colin and Edythe Ketchum approached the City of Quesnel to spearhead a restoration project and seek support from the City.
The City of Quesnel supported this project by way of financial contribution, labour, grant writing, and project oversite. Grants received for this project came from the Northern Development Initiative Trust by way of a $30,000 grant and the Quesnel Rotary Club also donated $3,000. Many local businesses contributed to the project by financial or material donations and volunteer labour, including Tolko, Ketchum Enterprises, West Fraser, Service Electric, Superior Fencing, Active Rent-All, All Haul, Quesnel Sign Stop, Quesnel Décor Gallery, Spotted Horse Contracting, and Sunset Sweeping.
Students were also eager to lend a hand. The 2017 grade 7 students of Riverview Elementary raised $300 for the revitalization of this space and the construction class from Correlieu Secondary School spent a week learning carpentry demolition skills by dismantling the old rink.
The rink has now been transformed into a multi-sport facility that will have year round use. New sideboards, fencing, hockey nets, and basketball hoops were installed and lines are freshly painted for basketball games. Other summer sports that can now be accommodated at this rink are lacrosse and roller-skating. There are also bleachers for a great view of the games.
A grand opening to celebrate this project is planned for September 8th from 1 - 3 pm. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to bring a basketball or hockey sticks and a ball to enjoy the facility.
Other West Quesnel recreational facilities will receive upgrades this year including the Patchett Street playground and the Baker Creek Skate Park. The skate park project is well under way and the project is expected to wrap up this fall. The new Patchett Street playground will be completed this fall.