Hearts shall dance once again; when canvas of ice is painted with the brush of skates. – Shah Asad Rizvi

Following an unusually warm and dry December, unconducive for winter sports, the Nederland Ice Rink at 500 Indian Peaks Drive, Nederland, Colorado, is finally up and running. Judging by the turnout on Saturday, January 15, the season was highly anticipated, arriving in a nick of time. Invigorated skaters of all ages and ability levels circled the Olympic-size outdoor ice rink. Adults unwound and kids laughed. The fresh mountain air rushed past and Colorado sunshine bathed their faces as they glided upon the ice.

Operated by the non-profit NedRINK, it is the volunteers that make it possible. Accomplished figure skater Mary Joyce has been giving skating lessons there since its opening in 2005. When demand is great, to maintain personal attention to the students, other volunteers such as her right hand woman Ivy Brundege assist in teaching. Now an elegant 18-year-old skater, Brundege noted that Joyce taught her how to skate at the Nederland Ice Rink when she was in kindergarten.

Skate rentals are available for the unequipped. Open Skate is a lot of fun and popular with local residents. If hockey is your interest, there are programs for everyone including Adult Coed, Women’s, and All Ages Stick & Puck. The rink is available on a private rental basis for events such as birthday parties or anniversaries. And don’t forget about Disco Friday when a strobe trips light fantastic across the ice accompanied by 1970s classics “Stayin’ Alive,” “Get Down Tonight”, “Dancing Queen” and “Y.M.C.A.”

The Nederland Ice Rink is open every day, weather permitting, until the end of February. An up-to-the-minute schedule may be viewed on their website along with a live webcam.

For more information about the Nederland Ice Rink, go to www.nedicerink.wixsite.com or call 720-514-9624.