Dr. Harold Murray has many fond memories growing up in Springhill and playing Canada’s game in the community’s old arena.
He and his family have been supporters of the new arena named in honour of his parents, Dr. Carson and Marion Murray, and he’s happy the newest generation of the Murray family is supporting the facility.
Murray and his wife, Donna, were in Springhill recently with grandchildren Ainslie and Jacob as Jacob became the latest member of an exclusive club – those who have sponsored seats at the arena which opened more than 15 years ago following the collapse of the former rink in early 2001.
Jacob Murray holds up a cheque for his sponsorship of a seat at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre while facility manager Corey Skinner, Ainslie, Donna and Dr. Harold Murray look on. Dr. Murray and his wife have been big supporters of the community centre that’s named in honour of Dr. Carson & Marion Murray. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
“I remember playing hockey and skating a lot at the old rink and I’ve played hockey in this one as well,” said Murray. “It’s such an important part of our community and something we as a family are happy to support.”
His grandson, Jacob, is also a hockey player in the Pictou County Minor Hockey Association, entering the U11 division this coming season. He’ll likely see action in the rink named for his great grandparents.
Along with the seat dedication in honour of Jacob Murray, Stewart and Chris Murray also sponsored seats in honour of their grandchildren Marion and Lora VanSeggelen.
Donna Murray is hoping others will sponsor seats in the arena.
“This was our seventh grandchild that we’ve done it for and we did it for our children and our parents,” she said. “This is a great meeting place for people to attend functions and for young people to enjoy the privilege of enjoying an arena and a youth centre.
“The grandchildren are excited when they come here to see their names on the seats. Hopefully it’s something more people do because it goes to support this wonderful facility.”
Jacob Murray presents a cheque to Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre manager Corey Skinner. The Murray family has been a big supporter of the community centre with Dr. Harold and Donna Murray sponsoring seats in the Richard Calder Arena for their grandchildren and in honour of Harold’s parents. Darrell Cole – Municipality of Cumberland photo
During construction of the arena, the seat dedication campaign was commenced to raise money for the installation of seats in the 800-seat Richard Calder Arena portion of the community centre.
The funds now go towards recreational programming and facility operational costs.
“There are 248 seats dedicated in memory, in honour or purchased on behalf of businesses,” facility manager Corey Skinner said. “Honorees are recognized with a commemorative plaque mounted to the seat with the dedication also appearing on the seat dedication wall at the Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre, located in the upper lobby.”
Seats are $300 each or two for $500. Executive seat dedications are also available for $1,000.
To dedicate a seat, people can contact the community centre or use the link on our website: https://www.cumberlandcounty.ns.ca/images/recreation/community-centre/Seat_Dedication_Form_web.pdf
For more information, call 902-763-3000.