Timeline of PMPP growth
2012 PMPP founded
Former professional figure skater Kristal Fortune had an idea to bring a multipurpose pavilion to Pagosa Springs. After a few years of work, she was able to find many like minded individuals in Pagosa to join together and start a non profit, Friends of Pagosa Multi Purpose Pavilion was the original organization that even included former NHL player Bob Kudelski
2014 First operating year
An old decommissioned rink was located in Greely, Colorado. Volunteers made the 7 hr drive and spent a week dismantling and transporting the rink and 2 Zambonis back to Pagosa, where it was rebuilt for the 2014 season in town park. The first year was spent learning to make ice and shoveling snow. It did not go very well, but the ice rink was officially up and running. The town tourism department donated $2000 for an iSkate sharpener, Archuleta county donated $10,000 towards an on demand water heater, a skate rental shed, and a snow thrower. Used skates were located on Craigslist and a donor helped with the purchase of 70 pairs of new rental skates.
2016 Move to south 8th street
By 2016 it became clear that a more permanent solution was required to improve conditions for the ice rink. PMPP acquired year round rental rights at South 8th park, allowing for much needed infrastructural changes. Shade supports were added around the existing concrete slab. Designed to reduce direct sunlight during the winter hours with a reduced wind profile, these supports provided an adjustable coverage system.
While the transition to concrete provided a more stable substrate for ice creation, problems became readily apparent. The concrete was severely sloped, requiring water depths of 17”+ on the south side, to provide 3 inches of ice at the opposite end. This resulted in inconsistent freezing conditions, and unstable ice for much of the season.
As the success of the ice rink grew, other limitations presented themselves, such as a lack of storage facilities, and a limited parking area. Spectator seating, access to restrooms, and poor lighting also presented challenges.
2018 Infrastructure improvements
In order to facilitate more reliable operation of the zamboni, a garage was constructed adjacent to the rink. PMPP contributed $10,000, and an additional $20,000 was secured, $10,000 from Archuleta county, and $10,000 from the town of Pagosa Springs. The structure was built by PMPP board members and local volunteers. Utilities for ice creation and maintenance were moved to the garage, and space was created for off season storage of rink supplies.
PMPP also collaborated with the building/trades program at Pagosa Springs high school to have a warming shed built. Having a place for skaters and spectators to escape the cold improved patron experiences, and allowed for longer visits to the rink. Permanent benches were also added to the western sideboards, along with additional spectator seating. Additionally, sidewalks were added improving egress to the rental shack and skate area.
2018-2019 Hockey tournaments
PMPP endeavored for multiple years to host a regional pond hockey tournament, until weather complications and scheduling inconsistencies relegated the event unviable without improved infrastructure. Several teams travelled from Colorado and New Mexico to participate, and live commentary of the event finals was broadcast on KWUF radio by Chris Olivarez.
2022-2023 Expansion proposal
Over the course of time, various attempts at improving ice creation and maintenance proved to have negligible effect on increasing days of functional use. Attempts to level the area using sand, the addition of leveling materials below the liner, and other ideas created as many problems as they solved.
Despite the significant improvement to shade coverage, the rink was still also very susceptible to weather related issues. High force winds caused repeated damage to expensive shade cloth, and snow storms forced multiple closures. Over the years at south 8th, a wide variety of solutions were attempted to increase operational viability, but without a roof most changes yielded little result.
The PMPP board approached town council, and parks and recreation, about the prospects of a major overhaul of the infrastructure. A large permanent domed tent was proposed, which would accommodate a regulation size ice rink, additional spectator viewing areas, and protection from the elements for both the ice and patrons of the facility. A public information campaign included distributing information to the surrounding neighborhood, and hosting an open forum at the park to propose ideas and garner feedback from the citizens of Pagosa Springs.
2023 Yamaguchi Park
After several meetings with entities across archuleta county, a new direction was proposed. The area at the south end of Yamaguchi park was offered as a better location for a multi purpose pavilion for Pagosa Springs, including a permanent residence for the ice rink during the winter. A new, open air structure was designed that was more in line with the aesthetics of the park. Pagosa’s town tourism board awarded the PMPP $500,000 toward the project, contingent on suitable funds being raised externally.
2023-2025 Current state of affairs/updates
At this point, the PMPP board decided that continuing operations at the South 8th park location was no longer viable. Funds raised by the PMPP normally used for operation were diverted to obtaining blueprints, assessing structural needs of the new location, and expanding our fundraising capabilities. The old rink was dismantled, in preparation for the site being returned to the parks and recreation department. This lapse in operation allowed the board of directors to examine the organizational front of the PMPP as well. Improvements for professional expansion were implemented, and additional members brought experience and depth to the capabilities of the board.
Currently the PMPP board is working on all fronts to create a facility that will serve the diverse needs of Pagosa Springs while ensuring the future of the ice skating rink we have been working towards since the beginning.