Alexandra’s new Iceinline Curling Rink is taking shape with building well underway.

The two-sheet curling rink has been under construction for quite some time, with stone throwers eager for completion. 

The steering committee for the new rink published a report to members which states they are delighted to be able to report that the project is coming together very quickly and expect to have the rink up and running some time in April.  

“Unfortunately the Covid lockdown delayed the completion of design requirements for the CODC and also the commencement of the build which resulted in the project being delayed a year,” the report author, Earnscy Weaver states. 

“The building is now complete other than for installation of the doors.  

“All the required gear is here from our Canadian design and supply company and our focus has now moved to the base and reticulation installation.”

There are two lanes in the building, with provision made for additional lanes when required.  

“The decision has been made to have a concrete base rather than a sand base.  

“This change has come about following a generous donation from a couple of good friends of the curling fraternity.  

“The new refrigeration plant for the Iceinline complex that was installed two seasons ago has capacity to run the additional ice area. 

“As an aside the curling rink will provide additional heat for the Alexandra swimming pool and over a longer period while the curling rink is operating.”

The Alexandra Curling Rink aims to be open in April. 

All the required playing equipment has arrived, with new sets of stones imported from Scotland.  

A full range of grippers and brooms has been purchased along with the required measuring and maintenance gear.  

An Icemaster Boss direct drive ice groomer/scraper has also been purchased.

The steering committee is presently working on a timetable to accommodate curling club, school, corporate, public, and competition curling with clubs having first option for the ice.  

“Hopefully there will be a similar competition to the Naseby Contractors cup, an afternoon schools league along with other activities.  

“Both crampet and hack curling will be played.  It is anticipated that the rink will operate for 6 months from April through to September.”

World Curling Federation, through the NZ Curling Association, also provided an interest free loan of $137,180 which was the seed money for the project.  

Additional funding has been provided by the Central Lakes trust, Otago Community Trust, Lotteries Commission, Foodstuffs Community, and donations.  

“We have had suppliers to the project discount their charges,” the report states.   

“Debentures are being issued to meet the shortfall for the completion of the project.

“We are still accepting donations and are considering naming rights to each of the curling lanes.  

“Maybe a donation to have stones named as done in some offshore rinks.”

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