Skating is in the forecast 2016/17 in Sharbot Lake!

Lesley Merrigan | Sep 03, 2015

The Oso Recreation Committee has started the ball - or in this case “the puck” - rolling to establish an outdoor ice rink in Sharbot Lake.

In 2011, the Sharbot Lake Snow Rider’s Club presented the Oso Recreation Committee with a $10,000 donation earmarked for an outdoor ice rink in Sharbot Lake. From that time the Oso Recreation Committee, in working with the township, searched many viable locations for a suitable ice rink location - one that was easily accessible and centrally located to be used by the most people. A multi-use location was the best option for this project and viability of the rink. The location selected and approved by town council was the Oliver Scott Memorial Park in Sharbot Lake. The park now houses a ball field with existing lighting, a washroom facility that is slated for replacement this year and a canteen. This location is also in close proximity to the Granite Ridge Education Centre. Most children in Central and North Frontenac will attend this school and have access to this rink. The rink is also located in the village of Sharbot Lake, making this easily accessible as most people in the area come to Sharbot Lake to shop, bank, seek medical attention, and so much more.

At a meeting held last week, the group discussed at length the “next steps” for the rink project and also listened to some great direction on the area in question from Jeremy Neven, the township’s chief building official. Dave Willis, Oso recreation committee chair, has done a lot of the initial leg work with the support of his committee to get this project in motion. The committee is now focusing on geotechnical studies, rink design and, most importantly, fund raising.

On September 12, there will be the first in a series of OPEN MIC afternoons held at Oso Hall. All proceeds will be going to the construction of the ice rink. Admission to the hall will be by donation and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Our house band will consist of local musicians Adam Lake, Kevin Merrigan, Justin Riddell and Jim MacPherson, better known as “The Ice Rink Pickers”. These lads will open the afternoon and supply the base music for our local musicians to showcase their talents. The open mic will be run by sign up, with each performer having the opportunity to sing two or three songs. We encourage everyone, young and not so young, to come and enjoy an afternoon of music and friendship and help us make this project a success. If you have any questions, contact Lesley Merrigan at 613-279-3144.