A Salmon Arm grandpa is getting all sorts of attention and love online after his itty-bitty front-yard ice rink was noticed by a passerby.
Bert Revel has built the small rink each year for almost a decade to ensure his grandson had somewhere to skate when he came and visited at Christmas.
Revel said his grandson started wearing skates at three years old and he built the rink as a way to ensure he had a way to improve his grandson's skating with each visit.
“The first rink, eight years ago was about 10 feet by 10 feet,” said Revel. “This year I thought it was a good rink and I would put a little sign out.”
The proud grandpa waits until there is a decent amount of snow, packs it down to create the rink space and boards; then slowing and methodically sprays the outside to form a thick ice crust, before filling the rink a quarter of an inch at a time with water.
This time, after spending weeks building the small rink for his grandson, he decided to share his hard work with the community once his grandson had gone back home.
“I wanted people to know that if they wanted to come and bring their kids here, have some afternoon fun – they can come and do it,” said Revel.
While no one has really taken him up on his offer, the far-reaching effect of his story has old friends coming out out the woods.
“It has got lots of media attention, but so far not many people have stopped in,” said Revel with a laugh. “I can hardly believe all the attention though. It has spread all over the province, friends have called from over. I had a friend call, a friend I hadn't seen since I graduated high school.”
Skaters young and old are invited to drop by the rink at 2151 30th Street NE. Skaters must bring their own gear and skate at their own risk.
“It's been truly unbelievable,” added Revel.
