We’ve come a long way from early discussions about how to build an ice rink for the Seeley-Swan community to enjoy. We knew a few things that we wanted: free access, free skates, a safe environment, and easy community access/parking. The rest of our plans unfolded – and continue to unfold – over time. For the free access, we depend upon community support through the Community Foundation Change Your Pace program as well as from the Community Foundation Community Grant program. We have also received generous support from the Missoula County Parks, Trails and Open Lands grant funds. For free skates, we've tapped a variety of sources, from Glacier Ice Rink in Missoula to private donations from community members. For the land, we worked with the Seeley Lake Elementary School Board to convert a baseball infield into the rink for the winter, ensuring a steady flow of skaters from the school for outdoor physical education. We've since pulled up stakes and combined our efforts with the Lions Club at their pond - still just a short walk from the elementary school.

 

At the old location, we were able to purchase a shed to organize and house the skates. We ran electricity to the shed so for lighting and to power our electric skate sharpener to renew the older blades. To enhance the safe environment around the school, we added lighting to the rink area so that those short days/long nights could extend to longer skating time for both the school children but also for the wider adult community who also love to (or want to try to) skate. Given that the school is in the center of town, many of our users could walk to the rink and those who drive could park safely on the school grounds while they enjoy their brisk outdoor exercise. Now that we've moved over to the pond, the baseball program can benefit from the power and storage area, and we can help the Lions maintain their program.

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