With falling-below-zero temperatures and ice-slicked roads, more students find themselves bundling up behind closed doors and wondering what they can do to quench winter boredom.

Donnie Hayes, a senior from Walnut Creek, Calif., proposes to answer that question through his recreational internship, Dec. 17, when he — in conjunction with the city of Rexburg — will launch the grand opening of the Nordic Center, a new winter activities and recreation program.

“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves,” Hayes said.

Hayes said he is excited about all the new Nordic activities, which include cross-country skiing lessons, broom hockey and a 100-by-150-foot ice-skating rink.

The Nordic will be staffed by four other employees who will work with rentals, lessons and maintenance, while Hayes oversees the direct administration of the project. City officials hope to establish the Nordic Center as an annual winter program that will give local residents and students the opportunity for outdoor fun and enjoyment.

When questioned why he choose the internship, Hayes spoke of his passion for recreation and the great experience the opportunity would allow him.

“Who wouldn’t want to be involved in adventures like cross-country skiing or ice skating,” Hayes said.

Hayes is not the first BYU-Idaho student to gain this type of an internship; many others have paved the way. “I believe that the people who have done internships for the city of Rexburg previously have done such a fabulous job that they’ve made it easier for city officials to accept me,” Hayes said.

One of those city officials is Gabe Chariton, the Rexburg recreation director and BYU-I graduate who initially brainstormed the idea of the Nordic Center. “I wanted to give students the great experience I had during my internship and to give the city of Rexburg the pro-type of support that BYU-Idaho students give us,” Chariton said.

Both Hayes and Chariton seek to focus their attention especially on families and programs will be tailored for all age groups from kindergarten to adult levels.

Summarizing the program in a few words, Hayes gives everyone the invitation to “come-out and play,” which is the mission statement of Rexburg Recreation.

The Nordic Center is located on the Municipal Golf Course at the corner of Main Street and Airport Road and will be open weekdays and Saturdays.