December 20, 2022 |
Saratoga’s ice-skating rink draws large crowds at the new location.
Reestablishing a tradition from years past, each winter, the Platte Valley Kiwanis Club has been building a small ice rink for Saratoga residents to enjoy.
In the early 2000’s, Saratoga had a makeshift skating rink on Veteran’s Island until concerns over flooding caused the town to stop setting it up. Seeing an opportunity to provide citizens with another winter activity, Platte Valley Kiwanis members decided to resurrect the ice rink. For the past two years, the Kiwanis Club had the skating rink in the American Legion Park on Bridge Avenue. The small size of the park, and uneven ground, limited the space available for the rink. Also, the park offered no protection from animals, such as deer, which would venture onto the ice and destroy the liner.
The idea of using Veteran’s Island was brought up at the October 4th Saratoga town council meeting. The council members agreed the existing, fenced-in skateboard park on the island would make a better location for the rink than the American Legion Park.
With more space available at Veterans Island, Kiwanis members were able to return the rink to its original size of 30 by 50 feet. Platte Valley Kiwanis Club secretary, Cindy Carnes explained how fencing and cement pad at the skateboard park made it easier to set up the ice rink.
The Saratoga Fire Department supplied water for the skating rink. Using a gate on East River Street, Carnes said the fire department was able to drive their pumper truck across a shallow section of the North Platte River to access the island.
Last Saturday, December 17th, was the Platte Valley Kiwanis Club’s Party at the Rink. Offering pizza, hot chocolate, and cookies, the 2-hour event attracted over 100 people. Carnes said, aside from the sun warming up a section of the rink, the new location was a major improvement.
Flood lights already exist at the site, allowing night skating. Kiwanis Club members added Christmas lights for a more festive atmosphere.
Through donations from local businesses and schools, the Platte Valley Kiwanis Club has over 55 pairs of ice skates, as well as a few helmets. Available 24/7, the skates and helmets are stored in bins on site. Kiwanis president, Susan Marich, said the entire event has been a collaborative effort.
The larger rink size meant there was enough room on the ice for Saturday’s crowd. Marich said, if necessary, the entire rink could grow without much trouble.
The Platte Valley Kiwanis Club president said she was pleased by the turnout for the Party at the Rink. Marich said Veteran’s Island may become the rink’s permanent home.
The Platte Valley Kiwanis skating rink will remain open until about mid-March, or when the ice begins to melt.
The Kiwanis club has donated skates available on site, free of charge. The Saratoga Recreation Department rents ice skates for the entire season for $5,00 with $20 with a $20 refundable deposit. Open Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 3 pm., your deposit will be returned when the skates are brought back to the rec department.
The Platte Valley Kiwanis Club plans to host additional events at the ice rink throughout the winter. Bigfoot99 will have more information as it becomes available.
