Curling has a storied history in Red Deer, dating back before the turn of the 20th century. The first curling games in Red Deer were played on the ice of the Red Deer River. Modified jam cans were sometimes used as curling rocks. In 1898, matches were moved to a small outdoor rink on Morrison (52nd) Street. Water hauled from the river was used to flood the ice. In November 1902, the Red Deer Rink Co. Ltd. purchased six lots on which to build a covered skating and curling rink, but construction was not actually commenced until the fall of 1903. The structure, built at an estimated cost of $3,000, provided a skating surface of 175 feet by 60 feet and space on the north side for two sheets of curling ice 175 feet by 36 feet. more... See more text