When it comes to getting acquainted with a new city, there is more than one way to skin a cat, as they say (sidenote: that’s a horrible saying and no cats were harmed in the writing of this column). Since moving to Airdrie a few weeks back, I’ve been trying an unconventional approach – attempting to shoot pucks around for a few hours in every outdoor rink in town.
While atypical, this approach has been pretty beneficial. I’ve had a chance to drive down many streets and through several neighbourhoods that I would have never had a reason to otherwise (I also got hopelessly lost in Big Springs trying to find the rink there, which I eventually stumbled upon.) I also discovered Chinook Winds Regional Park, which has one of the nicest outdoor rinks I’ve been to. While the skating was fun, it got me really excited to visit the park once the snow has all melted. Even with the snow and cold, it seemed to be getting a lot of use with dog walkers and cross country skiers.
This little goal also gave me a glimpse into how family friendly this community is. At each rink, I came across a handful of parents teaching their little ones to skate or what I assumed were siblings out for a quick game of pick up hockey. Hopefully the weather warms up a bit, but not too much, and I can get out to the natural skating rinks on the ponds and creeks that dot the city.
But in the meantime, my skates are dull, legs tired, cheeks still a bit rosy and I still have a lot more to learn and discover here. So I’d like to hear your recommendations on what I need to see or do in Airdrie to really get to know this city. What local institutions do I need to check out? Maybe it’s a longstanding restaurant, a park that I can’t pass up or a unique shop that I need to check out. I’m open to all of your ideas!
If you have something you think I should try, please get in touch by sending me an e-mail at [email protected].
