Kerrobert Recreation News – Sept /2021

This time of year is very exciting in the Recreation Department as we take time to review the operations of our closed facilities and we delve into the opening of the Memorial Arena!   September is a time of transition for not only the Recreation Department but also for parents, school age kids, University students, farmers, those in education and health care and so many more.  I hope that you all had an opportunity to make good memories this summer and recharge.

Thank you to the Kerrobert Fire Department and volunteers for their help with the annual ice surface clean.  It takes nearly two weeks to get our ice in and staff will be working diligently day and night to get it in by Oct. 1.  Kerrobert Minor Hockey held their registration night on Sept. 15 and we are hopeful that they will have a full slate of teams from U7 (Initiation) to U18 (Midgets) to keep our rink busy.  KMH teams are set to start their practises on Oct. 12.  Be sure to check out the Town of Kerrobert website – Recreation – Arena calendar to view current practise times.

Each year all organizations using the rink have the option to pay a higher ice fee per hour and opt out of working booth shifts or pay a lower fee and work booth shifts (called the fundraiser).  This year all organizations have opted out (Tigers, AA, Kerrobert Minor Hockey) so we are currently working to find someone who may be interested in operating our booth.

In the past, parents or organizations found community members to offer a Learn to Skate, Canskate or Figure Skate program to fill the Tuesday from 4:00- 5:15 ice slot.  We have not had someone offer to run these programs this year but are still hopeful to hear from someone who will.  I encourage those who have called about these programs to continue to watch for information, reach out to Kerrobert Minor Hockey Initiation program or to take part in the public skate that we would offer instead at that time.

Much exciting news in the Recreation department with the delivery of our brand new Zamboni!  What an amazing project our community took on and succeeded in a short period of time.  The sides of our Zamboni will showcase revolving signage of those who deserve a thank you for helping to make this project a reality!

The pool and fairgrounds have officially been closed and we are currently reviewing the seasons to plan for next year.  We were shocked at the carbox tax charged to the pool this season which was $2316, a cost we underestimated.  We also are concerned about the future numbers of our lifeguards and will be discussing ways to encourage students to get certified.  Without instructors and lifeguards it will be difficult to offer lessons and regular public swim times.  The Recreation Board will be discussing this at future meetings and we hope families will encourage their high school kids to consider this job.

I was beyond excited to see and “communicate” with the amazing Dr. Jody Carrington in the Saskatoon airport this summer as she is someone I follow and consider a mentor.  I try to listen to her wise words often, “Many of us are struggling with managing the emotion that this pandemic has brought.  Disconnection, fear and overwhelm often result in pulling back from it all.  And then there’s the heroes who have made the choice to run towards it.”  If you know a hero, thank them.  I have a million thanks to give as this community is full of them but one in particular was a nurse (from West Central area) who went above a beyond when my daughter had an accident last summer.  She provided her not only with first aid care but support until we could get there.  In the middle of Covid and at in the dark she stopped, took her home and I never got her name.  She is not unlike most health care workers I know and they deserve and need our thanks, especially now.  Stay well friends😊

Sask Health Line – 811
211 Saskatchewan – 211 (National Indian Residential School Crisis Line and other mental health services)
Farm Stress Line – 1-800-667-4442
West Central Crisis Center – 1-306-463-6655
West Central Crisis after hours – 1-306-463-1860 (24 hour line)
Kerrobert Food Bank – 834-5294 or 834-8292
Kerrobert KidSport – 834-2344
Recreation on call phone – 834-8355

Bobbi Hebron
Recreation Director