The new Range Lake winter wonderland is YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 own icy field of dreams.
Stu Impett, Matt Mossman and Rudolph Swanepoel built the collection of rinks and other features, and Yellowknifers are coming.
In past years, there may have been a skating rink or two on Range Lake. Now, there are nine skating rinks, a 2.1-kilometre skating track around the lakeSA国际影视传媒檚 perimeter, two cross-country ski paths inside the skate track and fire pits accompanying the various rinks. The trio even installed LED lights for residents to make use of the facility during the dark hours of winter.
Impett said the idea formed over coffee.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 one of those things where you just say, SA国际影视传媒楬ey, we should build a skate rinkSA国际影视传媒� and then someone else says, SA国际影视传媒楬ey I really like to ski, we should build a ski track.SA国际影视传媒橲A国际影视传媒� Range Lake now has all that and then some.
photos courtesy of Stu Impett
Clarence Pyke, a resident of the Range Lake neighbourhood, said he walks around the lake every day and loves seeing SA国际影视传媒渕ore and more people out there.SA国际影视传媒�
Pyke said the three busy volunteers are SA国际影视传媒渕aking the lake great again.SA国际影视传媒�
In a year when social gatherings are restricted due to public health concerns, the chance to socialize outdoors is welcome, Pyke said.
He recognizes the time and energy required to plow, clear and shovel the wonderland and said he SA国际影视传媒渏ust wants to tell the guys theySA国际影视传媒檙e doing a great job.SA国际影视传媒�
Impett admits they have put in a SA国际影视传媒渟ignificant amount of timeSA国际影视传媒� to build and maintain the tracks and paths on Range Lake. In the darkest time of year, however, he said the benefits of getting outside are SA国际影视传媒渕ore than just physical.SA国际影视传媒�
Beyond the expressions of thanks and waving that Impett said he gets from community members enjoying the new and improved Range Lake, some have even been leaving treats on his doorstep to show their gratitude.
The country is taking notice of Range LakeSA国际影视传媒檚 makeover, too.
CBCSA国际影视传媒檚 The National showcased the lakeSA国际影视传媒檚 upgrade to viewers across Canada and Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty shared her enthusiasm over Instagram earlier this month.
Though he hopes Yellowknife is not subject to another Covid lockdown, Impett said if public health restrictions do tighten, this area would be an option for Yellowknifers looking to socialize and spend some time outdoors.
On top of the current features, he said the trio are considering adding a curling rink as well.
SA国际影视传媒淪tay tuned,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
