Skaters will be smiling and skating for longer as Otago Community Trust has approved a $250,000 grant to help fund a new outdoor ice rink roofing project for Alexandra.

Committee member Hugh McIntyre of IceInLine Central said the roofing project is the third and final stage of three-stage development of the IceInLine facility.

The installation of a roof to cover the existing facility, along with proper lighting, will transform the user experience and enable the season to be extended and more competitions to be hosted.

“Regrettably, at the moment a number of competitions get allocated to other indoor rinks who can provide guaranteed ice surfaces. It is our hope that we can extend our season somewhat, with the ideal situation being have the facility open from early May to the end of August," he said.

Hugh said they are hoping to have the new roof built by next April or May. Some further applications for funding have been made to support the work for the roof.

'The intention is that the sides are left open at this stage."

Otago Community Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said the $250,000 grant is the third significant grant Otago Community Trust has approved to support IceInLine Central since the group started the staged upgrade in 2010.  

“The trust is pleased to have been able to support IceInLine throughout each stage of the facility upgrade.

"Ensuring people have access to well-resourced recreational facilities is incredibly important for healthy, vibrant communities and strategically this grant fits well with our new strategic plan and funding pillar ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing'.”

In total Otago Community Trust gave $1,391,793 to 31 community organisations in May 2022.

Other Central grants were $40,000 to REAP - Central Otago and $50,000 for Sticks 'n' Stones.