How Havelock Built An Outdoor Community Rink In The Blink Of An Eye

The idea for a large, free outdoor community rink in the small town of Havelock near Peterborough hatched in David Sharpe from a childhood memory of a rink that was kept on a nearby farm. It inspired this community builder in adulthood to put together a plan to make it happen, and in a matter of months—thanks to a community that rallied around him—that dream is happening.

David and his family spearheaded the rink initiative in Havelock to build it on the infield of the Havelock Ball Diamond, and it has taken off quickly. “I made a proposal to our council, attended a handful of council meetings and finally got approval,” David tells PTBOCanada. “The council lent us the funds to buy what we needed, and myself and a handful of friends put the rink together. We formed a team of volunteers, put a Facebook page together, and the support for the project has been incredible.”

The Community Rink in Havelock (January 1st, 2019)

The goal was $5,000 to fund the rink and nearly $4,000 has already been raised—you can donate online here. David, who owns Belmont Custom Cabinetry in Havelock Belmont Methuen (HBM), says he has been inspired by how this has galvanized the community. The hashtag #HBMProud and social media was used to inspire action, and community members have been stepping up to donate money and time.

“I have a passion for community building, our municipality and a drive to increase economic development, tourism and culture in our region,” David tells PTBOCanada. “The support for the Havelock Community Outdoor Rink just goes to show what can happen when people work together to accomplish a goal.”

Just recently they announced a sponsorship from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and their Recharge With Milk program…

The HBM municipal council graciously lent the Havelock Outdoor Rink Committee the funds to build the rink, which they have 18 months to repay in full—and donations are coming in here by businesses, community members and people from across Canada that go towards construction, operating costs and maintenance.

All this goes to show that if you believe in the power of community—no matter the size of the town—and you inspire ideas and rally others around your cause, anything can happen. Including building a magical outdoor rink.

For more information about the project, email the organizers here.

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