Tucked away in a thick pine forest on the edge of town, the Nederland Ice Rink, located at 500 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland, Colorado, has provided countless hours of winter recreation to skaters since its inception in 2005. We extend a profuse thank you to its creator, the nonprofit NedRINK (Nederland Racquets and Ice for Nederland Kids), and its devoted volunteers that brought enjoyment to so many for so long.

Assuming the day-to-day operations, on Sunday, January 1, the torch was passed to the Town of Nederland. Nederland has always dutifully plowed the parking lot for its guests, but now helping in clearing snow from the rink between mountain snow storms is a huge relief. Nederland Parks Manager Nikki Dunn and volunteers such as Mary Joyce have made the transition seamless, facilitating the same fun-filled experience and lighthearted atmosphere it is known for.

On a sunny and windless New Year’s Day, the ice was solid and temperatures pleasant. Nederland Parks and Maintenance worker Mark Schlosser was busy smoothing a crack in the icy surface with water and a hockey puck. Kathy Kelly of Coal Creek Canyon laced up her skates and took a few whirls through the outdoor rink practicing her moves. “My husband Mike and I like to visit once a week during the skating season,” shared Kelly. A local mother and her two children took laps around the frozen expanse hand in hand. Gilpin resident and competitive figure skater Sullivan Morrison got in her licks, performing a perfect single axel.

Nederland Ice Rink is open every day through the end of February contingent on weather. There is drop-in hockey offered for adults and kids. Women’s Drop-In Hockey regularly attracts two dozen participants. Disco Skate on Friday nights and Open Skate remain popular as does Saturday’s Learn to Skate program.

To check out their live webcam, view the ice schedule, or become a volunteer, go to www.nedicerink. wixsite.com.