The warmer weather means the outdoor ice rink is no longer the center of activity at Kerry Park.
With the mountains of plowed snow nearly melted off the parking lot, youth now defy gravity at the skateboard park, as young adults begin to fill the softball field and the elders line both sides of the horseshoe pit.
Tim Grinsell, organizer of the horseshoes at Kerry Park, emphasizes that everyone is welcome to join in the pick-up matches at the city built park. No experience is necessary and there are plenty of seasoned players to teach the fundamentals during play.
The just-for-fun matches are offered on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m..
At 6 p.m., the group of whomever is present will draw for teams of two and begin pitching matches for fun competition using official rules and regulations. After about an hour, the group will draw again for teams and allow players who came later to join the fun.
A former soccer player, Grinsell said most of the horseshoe players are now in their 50s and done playing softball but want to stay active. The noncommittal horseshoe nights offer the fun and intensity of competitive league play, without the obligations of schedules, uniforms and fees.
“It’s good exercise and fellowship,” said Jim Ysen, a regular player.
A core group of about eight players is anxious to get started each year. The skilled, but maybe a bit rusty, throwers were out pitching right after the first snow melted, and were delayed again by the late storms. Now the pits are clear, the sand is soft and a pair of gloves helps grip the cold metal shoes in the cool evening air.
As the weather warms and the arms loosen up, so does the conversation. Grinsell notes that as the players get to know each other, the joking and ribbing becomes a part of the fun.
“Its cheaper than golf,” said Jessie Laakkonen, who likes that it requires skill, concentration, style and consistency.
Grinsell said the Elks Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were organizers of weekly horseshoe activities when he was young. He said he hopes to get more young people to join the group.
“We’ve been trying to get younger people interested in participating,” said Grinsell. “As a kid, I would be here with my dad and there would be six pits with 30 to 40 people.”
Nora Christensen, 13, said she comes with her dad and will soon bring friends. She enjoys the game and holds her own with the experienced throwers.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she added.
The horseshoe pits are 40 feet apart with a spike at center surrounded by sand. There are concrete sleeves to mark the three-foot boundary area where a player must throw their pair of horseshoes to the other end without stepping out. They must also land their throws inside the boundary on the other end. A bounce-in will not count.
It’s a game that people can learn quickly. A first timer often throws a ringer by the end of their first matches. Yet, the talent of people who have practiced for years is obvious in their stylish delivery and ability to consistently place throws near the stake.
If the horseshoe nights continue with a solid group, Grinsell would like to participate in the Fort Frances horseshoe tournament during the July 1 holiday. He would also like to organize a Fourth of July tournament here in the Falls.
News that the city is planning to extend the Kerry Arena parking lot to where the existing pits are presently located, drew concern from Grinsell, who suggested the pits be relocated to an area with lighting and restroom access.
Steve Johnson, International Falls Streets and Parks commissioner, confirmed the parking lot expansion, most likely later this summer. He said that before the pits are removed, that the existing three pits and possibly a fourth would be rebuilt just north of the current location in the same park. He said the light above the existing pits would also be relocated to the new area as well.
“When finished, the parking lot for the arena will mean there will be more parking for the horseshoe area, too,” said Johnson.