Jun. 23—JAMESTOWN — Some people may think Jamestown’s Winter Sports Building is reserved for hockey.
Those people would, quite simply, be wrong.
“We’re always busy over here,” Winter Sports Building manager Chris Newans said. “It never stops — not even in the summer.”
Most recently, the building’s Wilson Arena has been transformed to house dozen of high school volleyball players.
Two months ago, Newans was approached by University of Jamestown head volleyball coach Jon Hegerle about the possibility of being one of three sites for a 10-day volleyball camp. Newans said yes.
“I’ve heard they have had camps in here before but they were just doing it on the concrete,” Newans said. “Right now, we’ve got four sport court courts set up in here that are volleyball specific. I am quite impressed with how it all has come together.”
The courts were set up on June 8 and will be taken down on June 21. The camp is set to conclude on June 20.
“In my communications with the coaches over at the university this is definitely something we look forward to doing again in the future,” Newans said.
The end of volleyball camp doesn’t mean the end of activities, though.
“In May, June and July we don’t have the ice in so we are just trying to generate some activity for the public to do,” Newans said. “In Wilson Arena the concrete is very level and roller skating is very similar to skating so we just figured that it would be a good idea and see if it would generate some interest among the kids in town.”
The Winter Sports Building is hosting open roller skating from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays during June and July. The cost is $15 per family, $8 per adult and $5 for children.
“We’re just trying to get people to get active,” Newans said. “I am not saying it’s helping prepare kids for the hockey world — I am just saying it’s an activity and it is definitely something that we are going to continue with moving forward.”
Outside the building, there are chances for fun too.
On Sunday nights in July, there will be free open play street hockey held in the west parking lot of the Winter Sports Building. Hockey sticks, pucks and nets will be provided. Interested participants do not need any prior hockey experience to play but they should wear closed-toe athletic shoes.
July is also when the ice for the 2025-26 season starts to get made. Newans said the compressers will be turned on July 15 and they will start making ice on July 21. The projected first ice is set for Aug. 1.
“It’s not just about the ice over here,” Newans said. “We’re always busy looking to help the community get active and gain a healthier lifestyle. “