BY NANCY KELLY
Kings County Advertiser/Register
With a memorandum of understanding for year-round use of the Kingston arena now approved, the Western Kings Arena Association (WKAA) is looking for people committed to steering the arena into a new era.
April 15, the Village of Kingston and the WKAA signed an agreement to see the two organizations establish the Kingston arena as an all-seasons facility. Outgoing association president Wayne Fowler says, with that finalized, the organization is in need of some “new blood.
“Manpower is our biggest issue right now,” stresses Fowler, leaving the position halfway through his tenure because of an out-of-province military posting.
“I had planned on giving at least two years to the organization, but that can’t happen now.”
Fowler is encouraging more representation on the volunteer board from arena users.
“I would like to see reps from Western Valley hockey, the Greenwood Skating Club, Greenwood minor hockey and the nearby villages take an active role on the rink committee.”
Several years ago, a similar public plea for manpower produced some help from the community - but that support has since dwindled.
“And now we are back in the same situation of relying on the same, long-time volunteers,” many of whom no longer use the facility. “They did at one time, but their kids have come and gone. Many now have grandchildren,” says Fowler.
During negotiations with the village for the MOU, Fowler says everyone was in agreement the arena is an important part of the community.
“Now, we are reaching out for support because the rink could be forced to close without help.
“It’s a simple as that.”
In the past few years, the WKAA has fundraised to reduce its debt, install new arena lighting, buy a new hot chocolate machine and make emergency repairs to the ice plant. This year’s fundraising target is $25,000 and moneywill be applied to the debt while “maintaining quality service for the community,” says Fowler. Upcoming projects include reburbishing dressing rooms and installing new boards around the ice surface.
“We are running the rink more like a business now,” says Fowler. “Because we have better planning, our finances are in better shape. We are definitely on an upward gain.”
