Trail to receive over $1.1M from Murphy Family Foundation for Kids Rink improvements and free programs
By City of Trail
Last January, the City of Trail made the exciting announcement about the Murphy Family Foundation’s funding contribution of $370,000 USD to go toward the Kids Rink capital improvement project and the development of free public and sensory-friendly skating programs in the Trail Memorial Centre. The City is now very pleased to share that the Murphy Family Foundation (MFF) will make an additional contribution of $503,800 USD to cover the additional costs of the project while also continuing their funding towards free community programming. In total this will see $703,800 USD (approximately $945,000 CDN) go towards Kids Rink infrastructure improvements in 2023 and $170,000 USD (approximately $227,460 CDN) to support free community programming over a six-year period.
“We are so incredibly grateful for the Murphy Family Foundation’s ongoing support and dedication to our youth, community, and recreational facilities,” said Mayor Colleen Jones. “The additional funding will allow the Kids Rink improvement project to occur with minimal financial burden to the City or citizens. The amenities in the Trail Memorial Centre are pivotal recreational venues for the entire region, and we are thankful the foundation shares our vision of a vibrant and healthy community. We look forward seeing the updated Kids Rink facility and can’t wait to enjoy more free family-friendly ice skating programs.”
“When we think about the updates to the Kids Rink, all we can visualize is a great expanse of possibilities and opportunities that a facility of this caliber can offer the Greater Trail area,” said Madelyn Murphy-Homer, “We are committed as a foundation to this project, and we cannot wait to see how the community will utilize this updated facility.”
The project will start in June 2023 and will continue throughout the summer. The Kids Rink will see a new concrete floor to help maintain ice during the summer months, new arena boards, and improvements to the viewing area adjacent to the ice surface. Trail Parks & Recreation will continue to work with MFF on enhanced free programming options to the community. Watch for more information to come in the weeks ahead.
About the Murphy Family Foundation
The Murphy Family Foundation is a Minnesota based foundation focused on supporting organizations dedicated to youth development. With specific focuses on funding education, the arts, entrepreneurship, and sports programming for youth, the foundation is committed to the belief that every young person in every community has the right to thrive.
About the Kids Rink in the Trail Memorial Centre
The Kids Rink in the Trail Memorial Centre was built in 1953, four years after the construction of the Cominco Arena. The Kids Rink has a 70’ x 147’ ice surface, a viewing area from the McIntyre Room, and a small ice-side viewing area. The rink is used extensively for skating, hockey, private rentals and is equipped with laser light technology and a sound system.
