Recreate all year in Alston

$100,000 Rink upgrades coming to Laird Township

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to grant Laird Township with $106,395 as they bring much-needed updates to the community ice rink in Alston. For many years the ice rink has served as a community gathering space, most heavily utilized in the winter. This grant marks a commitment to preserving a beloved local space while adapting it for expanded use throughout the year.

The rink plays host to a variety of groups and activities, including hockey, open skating, birthday parties and more. Unfortunately, time has taken its toll on the space. The concrete is wearing away, making the surface of the ice uneven and difficult to maintain. Concerns over safety and usability prompted action from local leaders.

“The surface was not ideal for holding the water,” said Pat Spencer, representative for the Laird Township Recreation Committee. “It’s old asphalt that’s chipped and cracked, so drainage is a problem.”

Making matters worse, the facility is open to air and sunlight, causing issues during winter. That’s being addressed with the installation of shades.

“Without the shades on the side it would melt out in just one corner,” said Spencer.

While winter presented its own challenges, the warmer months brought about different limitations. When there isn’t snow on the ground, the rink is open for pickleball, basketball, volleyball and other recreation opportunities. Even with the rink open during the summer, it remained largely unused as kids looked to the playground and ball field nearby to play and avoid scraped knees.

"It was such a pipe dream,” said Spencer. “I think it’s going to be so much more user-friendly with these upgrades.”

That dream is set to become a reality, with renovations focused on accessibility and comfort for all. With multigenerational use in mind, the committee aimed to bring about changes for all ages. In addition to a better playing surface, the rink is also getting an updated warming shack and shade cloths to help keep folks warm and cozy while the ice stays cold and dry. Renovations will begin in the spring of 2026, with upgrades expected to be completed in late summer. These improvements turn the long-loved winter gathering space into a community hub that can be utilized during all four seasons.

Learn more

Copper Shores continues to support community-driven projects like this through its grant programs. To learn more about the grant opportunities available at Copper Shores, visit the Grants page. To receive a notification for new and upcoming grant opportunities, sign up for the free monthly email newsletter.