There's a new feel at the Roblin Centennial Arena, and the community is buzzing about it.
Many years in the making, dreams of renovating the facility are now a reality. Delayed by a few months, the renovations at the rink are complete.
The renovations include an elevator so those who require it can get upstairs or downstairs. They also added two new dressing rooms with a washroom and shower facilities attached to the rooms.
The entrance way has also been enhanced with wider and safer stairs.
Bobbi Stroud is the recreation manager for the Municipality of Roblin.
"We are very happy about it. We have heard nothing but positive comments from people," said Stroud. "There were so many different routes that we could have taken, and you're always worried that people will say you should have done it that way or another way. I think we did it the right way."
The cost for the renovation was roughly $300,000. The new elevator will allow access to the dressing rooms downstairs and the upper lobby.
The Roblin & District Community Foundation awarded a $60,000 grant towards the cost of the elevator. There is signage showing their great contribution.
The arena hosted the U11 provincial championships earlier this month. The host Stars won the tournament in front of their family and friends.
While the elevator wasn't yet operational at that point, Stroud says fans in attendance were raving about the renovations.
"People from Pinawa and Rock Lake were saying how great the facility was," continued Stroud. "We feel great hearing those things. We are so excited. It's really put a whole new look to the arena and made it better for everyone."
To celebrate the renovations, the Roblin Recreation Department are hosting an elevator launch party on Sunday from 10:00 to 1:00. It'll be a come-and-go event with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cookies being served.
The canteen will also serve soup and sandwiches for a small cost.
The renovations will allow people who previously couldn't have a chance to enjoy all the action.
"We have one kid that plays rec hockey, and his mom broke her leg, had major issues, and wasn't able to come to the rink all season," ended Stroud. "She got to come watch his last game of the year because we had the elevator up and running."
There will also be public skating.
