A new arena coming to Spryfield is a “fantastic opportunity” for the community, according to Councillor for District 11, Patty Cuttell.
The growth in Spryfield, she says, has been significant in recent years, with 30,000 people now in the Chebucto peninsula.
The Spryfield Lions Rink is the current facility and has been “well-loved” for nearly 50 years- but has reached the end of its life.
Cuttell tells us not only is there structural damage, but a fire damaged the multi-purpose room and there is no longer a kitchen.
There is also a struggle to find ice time with so many sports teams who all share the one pad.
“People want to see the new building have two ice surfaces…I support that 100 per cent. We have a lot of hockey in the community, but we also have LaCrosse…we have a growing womens hockey league…”
The community, she says, is showing a lot of interest in the new building.
They had a packed room last Monday night during an open house to gather public opinion.
Residents were asked what they would like to see in the new building and what kind of spaces should be included in the new design.
Over 1,000 people have also given input so far on the new arena, in an online survey.
An exciting time
The GM of the Spryfield Hockey Club and board member on the existing Spryfield Recreational Society, Stephen Adams says, building a new arena is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a chance to “get it right”.
Adams tells us that he has a big family tie to the rink and was involved in it before it was even built in 1972.
He not only played, refereed and coached there, his father was a member of the Lions Club; and one of the few members who put their mortgage up against the facility.
The club continued to run the building until they sold it to HRM in 2009.
Adams tells us the sooner they can figure out what will go in the new facility, the better.
“There are a lot of band aid fixes that are going on and we’ve learned from this facility and others what works and what doesn’t work. So, we have the opportunity to do something quite special here.”
He adds that his hockey team, who plays at the rink, is looking forward to new dressing rooms.
Other suggestions for the building so far include heaters in the stands, some extra amenities, maybe a walking track, but far and above, he says, people want two ice surfaces.
Adams adds that a new building also gives them the opportunity for a community meeting room with not only the Lions Club wanting a space, but other groups as well.
The new facility will be just south of the current one and is hopefully going to be ready by 2027/28.
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