FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith Ice Skating Rink will be open for another season starting Dec. 5. Not only will this annual tradition be in a new location at Hunt's Park, but it will also have a newly built Santa House.
The house was built by students in the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders' Residential Construction Apprentice Program, an 18-month carpentry training program approved by the United States Department of Labor.
"Any time you can learn any kind of construction techniques when you're trying to further your career, it's great," Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders President Rocky Walker said. "They're learning basic carpentry and higher-level carpentry to build the house."
Walker said all the materials for the project were donated, and the students did it as a part of their curriculum.
"They did all building and the construction on the Santa House, and I believe Santa will be very proud to reside in this house in Fort Smith at the ice skating rink this year," Walker said.
The new building will house all the skate rentals for the 4th annual Synthetic Ice Rink. However, there is still work that needs to be done before the house's official debut in December. So that the house is more to Santa's liking, the association said it needs to be painted.
"I can't wait to get it painted Santa red with white trim, and it will really look the part," Walker said.
The rink will be open until Dec. 31. Tickets for children will be $5, and tickets for adults will be $10. All proceeds from the rink will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Smith and Community Rescue Mission.
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