Saturday is a big day for the Town of Pense as they celebrate the grand re-opening of the Pense Memorial Rink after upgrades were completed as part of a $1.2 million infrastructure project. 

Construction of the skating and curling rinks, which are both parts of the overall facility, began in the spring of 2022. Work on the skating rink included: new brine piping, a cement pad on top of the new pipes, new boards, protective netting, along with associated works. The new cement pad for the skating rink floor will allow it to be used year-round for such activities as hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, and special events. Construction was completed on the skating rink, while work on the curling rink is ongoing and will be completed this fall.

Under the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program, the Government of Canada will contribute $342,440 towards the town's arena flooring and piping upgrades project. The Government of Saskatchewan will contribute up to $285,338 to the project. 

The remainder of the project will be funded through the Town of Pense and community fundraising efforts. The community has received donations from the community, following an unsuccessful Kraft Hockeyville contest in 2020.

The donations were thanks to philanthropist W. Brett Wilson, Shercom Industries, Regina Motor Products, Avana Enterprises, the Richardson Foundation, and many other contributors. 

The grand re-opening will take place on Saturday (October 1, 2022) at 5:00 p.m. at the Pense Memorial Arena (335 Manitoba St, Pense, SK).

The Mayor of the Town of Pense, Ann Neumann wanted to say thank you to both the provincial and federal governments, volunteers, businesses, and the community for making this dream a reality.

"This project will revitalize our rink to now provide year-round recreation opportunities for all who live and visit Pense while making our community even more attractive for all who want to live here, raise a family, or start a business," says Neumann.