There’s an ice rink coming to Salida.
As directed by Salida City Council in a work session on November 4, Salida City staff investigated and pursued the details of building an ice rink in partnership with the Chaffee County Amateur Hockey Association (CCAHA). The City of Salida Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with CCAHA, announced this week that work will begin immediately on the foundation of Salida’s new ice rink.
Hockey Skates on Ice (Photo Courtesy of Outside Pursuits)
The rink will be located in Centennial Park next to the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. To prepare for the project, the city says that some recycling containers will be moved closer to the Aquatic Center to allow space for site preparation work. Next steps include leveling the ground and installing the rink boards. The CCAHA will start to build ice as long as the weather allows.
The details of the process and relationship of the parties are contained in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the CCAHA. (The MOU, along with the budget, can be found in the packet of the Salida City Council for January 7.) The consent agenda for the Salida City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 7 held a recommendation from staff for Council to approve the MOU with the CCAHA and directed City Administrator Drew Nelson to sign the memorandum of understanding.
Looking ahead to the future, the City of Salida has indicated that shade structures will likely be needed to help maintain the ice, and lights will be added so the rink can stay open more hours in the day. With the plans for a rink underway, Chaffee County Amateur Hockey Association can start work on developing a hockey league for next winter.
A press release from the City of Salida thanked “the community, the City of Salida Parks and Recreation Department, the Salida City Council and the Chaffee County Amateur Hockey Association for making this ice rink possible.”
Those looking for more information are encouraged by the City of Salida to contact Salida Parks and Recreation Director Diesel Post by calling (719) 539-6738 or by emailing Diesel.Post@cityofsalida.com. More information can be found by visiting the following websites for the City: www.cityofsalida.com and www.salidarec.com.
Nicely written Taylor! I’d be glad to talk to you anytime about further articles about the rink project! I’m the builder, manager promoter. Thanks very much!