Mountain Recreation to Build Outdoor Ice Rink in Edwards
Mountain Recreation is thrilled to bring an outdoor ice rink to Freedom Park in Edwards for the 2020-2021 winter season. With the help of many sponsors, partners, donors, and community leaders, volunteers will start building the community ice rink on Saturday, December 12. The ice rink is projected to open within two to three weeks, which is all dependent on the weather.
“We believe this will be a huge community asset for everyone to enjoy. Our friends, family, and neighbors will have a safe place to connect, exercise, and take a break from this global pandemic, if only for a moment,” said Janet Bartnik, Executive Director at Mountain Recreation.
In what has truly become a community effort, Mountain Recreation first approached sponsors in October to secure the estimated $25,000 needed for the initial cost of materials to build the outdoor ice rink. And thanks to the Berry Creek Metro District, Edwards Metro District, Vail Mountaineers, Mountain Youth, and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health the ice rink will become a reality.
Mountain Rec was delighted to see such a great response from our partners and for the past two months the district has received essential help from Eagle County Government, Casey Concrete, Alpine Engineering, Vail Honeywagon, Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, and many more partners. The district would like to thank Tom Boyd for taking lead on organizing the volunteers for build day and daily resurfacing of the ice and Andy Clark who runs the outdoor ice rink at Eagle Town Park for sharing his expertise on running an outdoor sheet of ice.
The project was given the green light on Tuesday, December 8 when the Eagle County Board of Commissioners hosted a morning session and approved Mountain Recreation’s application.
The district has now purchased all necessary equipment to build the 64’x122’ ice rink and is looking for volunteers to help with the ice build on Saturday, December 12. Volunteers are also needed to help resurface the ice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings throughout the season. To volunteer please click HERE.
“Thank you so much to all of our partners, sponsors, and the support of our County Commissioners and their staff. While Mountain Rec was able to lead the planning effort, this rink is not ours, it is everyone’s because the community will come together to build, maintain, and play on it, ensuring all can have a healthy and happy winter,” said Bartnik.
The outdoor ice rink will be located on the south end of the Edwards Field House parking lot, adjacent to the skatepark. Mountain Recreation will have an assortment of skates free of use thanks to sponsors and local donations, as well as full sets of hockey gear thanks to the Colorado Avalanche Alumni Association. To donate lightly used equipment please visit the Edwards Field House.
Mountain Recreation looks forward to opening day and will continue to creatively assess the district’s facilities to offer recreation opportunities, while respecting social distancing protocols.