The city of Superior and Superior/Douglas County Adult Leadership program paired up to launch the Skates for Superior program. The program seeks to provide free skating equipment to the public at the city’s outdoor skating rinks.
Linda Cadotte, director of parks, recreation and forestry, said the Superior/ Douglas County Adult Leadership program wants to remove barriers for people who want to get out on the ice. Cadotte said they are hoping to have 25 skates at the shacks for people to sign up and borrow. She said fewer people have been using the city’s skating rinks.
“I think a big part of that is weather-organized sports,” she said. “Obviously, kids have different interests than going to play pickup games after school versus going to play computer games.”
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Superior High School student Trevor Dalbec is working with the program for his senior project. Dalbec said he’s been playing hockey for around 15 years and wanted to give back to the community.
“I grew up in (the) east end, and I used to go to the red barn. I remember some buddies that they didn’t have skates,” he said. “Just like putting that into memory and perspective, having this drive will allow those type of kids to put on a pair of skates and skate with their buddies no matter what.”
Dalbec said their goal is to collect as many skates as possible. He said they’re also looking for donations of helmets, sticks, and other skating equipment. The skate drive is accepting donations from now until Dec. 21.
The donation bins can be found at Wessman Arena, Superior Ice Arena, and Superior High School.
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