Arena safety netting a temporary thing, says RDCK official
By John Boivin Local Journalism Initiative
No need to panic hockey fans.
Heavy netting surrounding two-thirds of the rink at the Nelson and District Community Complex isn’t a permanent thing, say RDCK officials.
It’s been put there to protect people working out in the temporary gym on the mezzanine, says RDCK General Manager of Community Services Joe Chirico.
“It definitely wasn’t part of this year’s plans until we put the fitness equipment in place,” Chirico told The Nelson Daily.
The equipment was moved to the rink mezzanine so the building’s foundation could be repaired under the fitness area.”
Then officials realized they had to keep the gym rats from getting whacked with a puck.
“If there’s a hockey game on, people using the fitness equipment may not be paying attention to the game play, versus patrons that are going to watch the game and are paying attention,” Chirico explained.
The RDCK already had the netting in storage, so the project only cost the labour to install it, he says.
The mesh is wide enough that the view is only partially obstructed. The seats on the west side of the rink are not protected. The netting will remain up as long as the fitness equipment is on the mezzanine, says Chirico.
Meanwhile, work continues on repairs and renovations to the Aquatic Centre and workout complex.
Chirico says they should have an update next week on when the facilities will re-open. The pool renovation has been scheduled to be complete by September.
