Weekend Wonders: Unleash Fun and Adventure in Weyburn!

Weyburn offers numerous opportunities to relish winter, and with the holiday season bringing friends and family together along with a warmer forecast, it has never been a more perfect moment to explore something different!

For those who would rather remain in their vehicles and enjoy some seasonal light displays, options like River Park Sparkles and others await.

Discover more: Enhance the Christmas spirit with local lighting displays

Those who revel in snow and velocity can enjoy tobogganing at River Park, as depicted in the featured image above. Plus, you don’t need to bring your own sled if you’re unable to!

The Weyburn Oilwomen Association’s ‘Sled Shed’ returns this year, offering sleds for anyone visiting the toboggan hill in River Park.

“We felt thrilled when we managed to provide that. It’s convenient to pack up, dress warmly, gather the family, head to the hill, and then have sleds ready for you,” stated President Carmen Sterling.

If any issues or damages arise, there’s a QR code available for scanning to inform them, or they can be contacted through other means. Sterling described it as a trust-based system.

“You take it, use it, return it, and it’s ready for the next user. If you notice anything amiss or something needing attention, just reach out to us either through that QR code or on social media, or contact one of the board members, and we will address it as soon as we can.”

The organization also has a ‘skate shed’ available for those who lack their own skates. It’s as simple as borrowing a pair at the City’s outdoor rink or the Tom Zandee Sports Arena.

“We have gathered donations of skates and purchased some ourselves so that if you do not possess any, you can visit those facilities and borrow a pair from the shed. We just ask that you return them and tidy up afterwards.”

Sterling mentioned that these sheds have been well received and have attracted several donations to grow the collection.

The outdoor rink, situated behind the Spark Centre, is free to access, complete with changing rooms and restroom facilities open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

Amanda Wallace, Leisure Services Manager for the City of Weyburn, stated that they have established designated public skating and open ice times to minimize risk of injury.

“Public skating is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., so we kindly ask that this timeframe is utilized by those who may be new to skating or those simply wishing to skate, while the hours from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. are for open ice, where individuals can bring their sticks and engage in shinny or hockey, or other activities.”

The rink operates on a use-at-your-own-risk basis and is unsupervised; however, the changing rooms and restrooms remain open for use during rink operating hours.

Crokicurl, located in front of the Spark Centre, is free to utilize and is played on an octagonal ice surface, merging the beloved Canadian sport of curling with the classic dexterity game, Crokinole.

“Essentially, the goal is to accumulate the highest points. You throw your rock towards the center button, aiming to keep it there just like in curling, for as much time as you can. The individual with the most points at the conclusion is declared the winner.”

Wallace stated that rules will be visibly posted so anyone can participate. All necessary equipment for playing will be provided.

Both ice surfaces will remain open for the season as long as weather conditions allow.

A further option for those truly enthusiastic about activity is the ability to rent snowshoes and cross-country skis at the Spark Centre.

“They are free to borrow, but a $50 deposit is required, and it’s a daily rental. You can collect your sizes, although options are limited unfortunately; you visit us on that day, choose your sizes, collect the gear needed, leave a deposit. We complete some documentation, and you’re free to use your items for the day; just return them that day,” Wallace elaborated.

“We have cross-country skis and snowshoes, which are quite enjoyable, although not utilized as often as we’d like. We would love for people to come out and use them more.”

These can be used anywhere, provided they are returned before the end of the day, within the operating hours of the facility.

“If you’re taking your equipment outside the city limits, there might already be a groomed trail waiting for you, but if you’re heading to, say, Jubilee Park, it will be trailblazing on your own, used at your own discretion, similar to everything else. We encourage people to utilize our equipment; we just want to ensure they do so safely.”

Photo courtesy of Jennifer LaCharite.