A group of concerned citizens from Blackfalds have banned together in an effort to bring more ice time to local kids.

The Dual Ice Development Society has a goal of raising 1 million dollars over the next 5 years, which will then cover the outdoor ice rink next to the multiplex in Blackfalds, giving the town two indoor rinks.

DIDS President Tabitha Astalos says Blackfalds has a major shortage of ice.

"One surface is being used by so many surrounding communities right now too. So this year has been a challenge for anyone in the Blackfalds Minor Hockey Association to get ice time. So we said this needs to be done, we need to get a second ice surface."

Astalos says right now kids are getting 1 practice every 6 to 8 days, and after this project is completed that will alleviate some of those problems.

But she says it won't just be hockey players that see the benefit.

"That's the one thing that we really want to throw out to everybody. It's used for figure skating, the Lacrosse Association uses it, we'll be able to do more with the 4H Clubs, and host more tradeshows or markets and community events within it."

Their next fundraising event will be January 21st for a Battle of Alberta pub night at Resolve bar and grill in Blackfalds.

Be sure to watch the DIDS facebook and twitter pages for more details.