By Bonnie Culverhouse

With the Winter Olympics in full swing, maybe you are dreaming of dancing on the ice like many of the competitors. Or maybe you’d just like to learn to skate.

Through the Walmart Strategic Initiative Fund, the City of Minden is working on a way to make your dream come true.

Thursday afternoon, Walmart officials presented a check for $20,000 to kick off an ice skating rink to be useable by the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Minden Main Street Director Sarah Overall said the rink will be constructed in the parking lot directly in front of the civic center, where it will stay until the new year.

“The project for us is more than ice skating,” Overall said. “It’s about sharing community pride to help strengthen the bond we already have in our community and bring tourism to our downtown district as well.”

Non-profit organizations, including churches, will be allowed to use the rink as a fund-raising tool, by applying to “run” the rink during the season.

“The city will split the proceeds with the applicant,” she said.

Don’t know how to skate? There will be equipment to rent and learn. Walmart executives also said they will have equipment available.

“As part of this initiative, skating fees will be kept intentionally low to ensure affordability for families across our community,” Overall added.

According to Walmart Regional Manager Mark Hankins, there were only two stores that received the grant.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” he said. “Walmart just doesn’t give that amount very often, unless it’s something big.”

Hankins also said the City was vetted by multiple chains of executives to get approved.

Local Walmart Manager Rory Fleury said his store “looks to serve the customer … which is the community, in a way that helps support it. All our employees are from here, so if they see us doing something for the area where they live, they have a reason to get up and come to work.”

Overall said the rink will be make of synthetic ice and can be easily stored.

“This isn’t a one-and-done thing,” she said. “This is something we will have for years to come.”

Partners are sought to make the vision, she said.

Partnership opportunities include:

• Sponsorship recognition and branding

• On-site promotional opportunities

• Community goodwill and visibility

• Supporting economic growth in downtown Minden.

To become a partner or learn more about sponsorship levels, contact the City of Minden at 318-377-2144.

Above, presenting and accepting the check are (from left), Walmart regional manager Mark Hankins, City of Minden’s Zach Harrison, Mayor Nick Cox, local Walmart manager Rory Fleury, Minden Main Street Director Sarah Overall, former Minden Walmart manager Ronnie Gray and Main Street commissioners Kasi Kendrick and Claudine Thomas.