STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-January 14, 2021-One of the two free community outdoor ice rinks, located next to the tennis courts at Howelsen Park, will slide into action starting tomorrow Saturday evening, January 15, at 5pm. The second rink still requires additional preparation.
“It’s been a challenge getting the facility ready with the changing weather and temperatures,” said Recreation Manager Alexis Wolf. “City staff have worked hard to have one sheet ready starting this weekend and we’ll continue to focus our efforts on the second sheet.”
Starting at 5pm tomorrow, ice lovers will be able to skate to their hearts content. With one sheet open, public skate and hockey users will be required to share the ice until the second sheet is available and designated activity hours are posted. Rink hours run daily from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 10pm with a mid-day restriction to preserve the ice during warmer daytime temperatures.
The picnic shelter provided benches and rubber matting for changing into the skates. Users are asked to do their part to move off any snow and ice debris before and after use with the provided shovels. Skate rentals are not provided, and participants must bring their own blades. Rink Rules are posted onsite.
Creating the outdoor ice rinks is an inch-by-inch deep freeze process that spans a multi-day window mixing the right combination of clear skies and cold temperatures. The weather over the past month, with heavy snow and warm daytime temperatures, has hampered formation of the ice.
“We urge folks to be courteous and share the ice so everyone can lace up and enjoy this community amenity safely,” continued Wolf. “Last year’s inaugural season was a ton of fun, and we ask everyone to help keep the facility clean, safe and enjoyable so we can enjoy another successful season.”
Funding for the project, which was originally installed last winter, has been by private donors and community members who have made to the Howelsen Capital Improvement Fund: Ice Arena, housed at the Yampa Valley Community Foundation (YVCF). If you would like to support this project, donations can be made at steamboatsprings.net/give.
For questions or to report damages/concerns, contact the Howelsen Ice Complex at 970.871.7033.
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Contact
Alexis Wolf, Recreation Manager, 970.879.4300 or email
Dmitry Chase, Howelsen Ice Complex Supervisor, 970.879.4300 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email