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By Caden Fanshaw

JUST CHILLING

Ice-making duo look to preserve labour of love

Jan 24, 2021 | 8:22 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A familiar sight after a snowfall.

A longtime dynamic duo taking care of the outdoor rink at College Heights Secondary School clearing the way for skaters throughout the day.

Bart Vanderlinde and Randy Seabrook are veterans in the outdoor rink department, having looked after the ice at CHSS for over 20 years.

“We don’t talk much when we’re out here working we just do it,” said Vanderlinde. “Afterwards is when we have time to chat and catch up.”

But the duo didn’t need to communicate verbally, they knew exactly what one another was doing without speaking a single word.

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They pushed their snowblowers along Sunday morning like it was something they had done for a long time, for Vanderlinde and Seabrook it was second nature.

Vanderlinde recently stepped away from being the coordinator for all five ice rinks under the College Heights Community Association umbrella, but he hasn’t stepped away completely.

“Now I’m just helping out,” said Vanderlinde.

Vanderlinde said Seabrook wouldn’t let him step away when he tried, so still 21 years and counting, the dynamic duo on the College Heights Secondary rink hums along.

Seabrook said there are many stories to tell from their days looking after the rink.

“Oh there have been a lot of cold toes, cold fingers, and frozen body parts over the years,” said Seabrook.

There are 23 outdoor community ice rinks within city limits according to the city’s website, all run by at least one volunteer.

Vanderlinde said the trend he’s seen over his time being involved with the outdoor rinks is a troubling one.

“The volunteerism under emergency circumstances is excellent in our city, ‘boom’ the money needed is always raised,” said Vanderlinde. “But volunteerism in the sport category has dropped off, and we could use some help.”

The over 30 year veteran said if people want to be involved they can reach out to their community association.

Both Seabrook and Vanderlinde got involved because of their kids, who they say were out skating every evening as teenagers.

Vanderlinde said more volunteers are always needed, especially right now.

“People wonder why certain things aren’t in certain neighbourhoods, it all comes down to if someone wants to organize it and put in the work, anyone can do it.” said Vanderlinde.

This winter has been very unique for the duo who said this was the first winter they can remember where they haven’t been able to open the rink over the Christmas break.

Luckily, the forecast looks to be frozen friendly for at least the next week.