Editor:

In response to the article titled 鈥楾urning ice arena into a turf field,鈥� published in the Lakes District 亚洲天堂鈥� Nov. 1 issue, I would like to say that this is the most idiotic idea I have ever herd.

We have so few winter activities as it is. There are several user groups that use the arena and I know that everyone would be devoted without their arena activities.

I have a been a professional figure skating coach for 26 years, mostly here in our area. With the unfortunate and preventable closure of the figure skating club a few years ago (due to the mismanagement of the executive members at the time), I am fighting for the bit of ice that I have now in order t continue teaching kids how to skate.

The skating program that we currently have on Sundays is important to me and my skaters. Skating and coaching have been a part of my life for over 40 years so far and it would be a terrible loss to me personally as well as to the community. I have already lost my beloved figure skating club (that had been established for approximately 50 years) and to lose the entire ice surface now would be unfathomable.

Skating is a traditional Canadian activity. Taking the ice away and replacing it with 鈥渢urf鈥� is senseless, selfish and short-sighted on the soccer club鈥檚 part.

Sincerely,

Richelle Wellman