Woodland Park Hockey Assocation

Anyone who has ever skated or played hockey at Meadow Wood Ice Rink understands the hockey tradition behind it and the deep love of the game that it creates within players of all ages and abilities.  For the last three decades, people have skated above the clouds and under the stars at this rink, which is hidden in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  It started as a graded dirt lot, no boards, hand poured and maintained, with the first games of sticks and pucks being played by the glow of headlights from spectators' cars.   Over the years, and one small step at a time, new (but used) boards, glass, lights, and even a scoreboard  have helped more athletes discover the game and created a place to host the occasional sanctioned game (if the ice conditions were just right).  In 2009, a small group of devoted parents developed the Woodland Park Hockey Association to grow the game and help raise funds for additional rink improvements.  Those of you who have played hockey, or have kids involved in the sport, know that just playing hockey is a tremendous investment of time and money not just for the athletes themselves but also for their families.  Add to that the task of fundraising for improving our home ice rink, and you can imagine the challenges they have faced from season to season. 

Even amidst these challenges, the rink has become a beloved landmark to players, teams, and leagues in our region, and it is a highly sought destination for those who have never skated outdoors.   On a Saturday morning, it's the definition of community when young players have a chance to experience the purity of a game of shinny with their buddies excitedly answering the call of "sticks in the middle!!"  It's fostered young athletes from 3 years old, to players chasing the dreams of Junior and NCAA Hockey.  It's given back to the referee community by creating the opportunity for young players to become referee's.  It's provided a welcoming place to learn for those who may be intimidated to jump into a pick up game at one of the rinks down the mountain in nearby Colorado Springs.   It's offered a safe place for our youth to learn  something new and push themselves to achieve their goals with the countless hours of free open hockey it allows players just to skate and be creative.    Our rink is loved, and it has given back so much to the sport of hockey.  But our rink is tired.  

Our volunteers work tirelessly trying to keep her up so that people can enjoy what Meadow Wood has to offer, so our players can host games on their home ice - not a simple feat when the competition has refrigeration, full-service bathrooms, a roof, and paid staff - but we do it anyway!   From flooding the ice with fire hoses at midnight, repairing sunshades in the wind, or showing up for games 2 hours early just to make sure the locker rooms are warm, our community steps in to help. Unfortunately, our rink is growing old and needs to be taken care of by those who understand and are willing to give back to her.  This year Meadow Wood has been a small haven of normalcy in a world that has been wrought with change.   While many rinks struggle to stay open amidst COVID restrictions, Meadow Wood stands proudly outdoors, welcoming more guests than ever before.  Naturally, she has taken more abuse this year as well due to the sheer number of folks flocking to outdoor recreation opportunities.  Ironically, this is the year our volunteers and supporting community have endured more hardships due to the pandemic - in short, Meadow Wood needs your help more now than ever before.   

We are reaching out to the hockey community world wide because hockey families are unique in their love and support for each other as well as their respect for the nostalgia of the rink and the game.  Whether teammates or competitors, hockey families are always willing to step up and help a friend, a family, and even facilities in need.   We have attempted to raise money on several occasions to install a roof and compressor at the rink so our kids have a place to play all year round; while the desire and need has always been there, we have fallen short due to different community needs.   With 3.96 billion people on social media, we hope you'll consider donating to Meadow Wood ice rink to continue her legacy of growing the game.  If you aren't able to help by donating financially please help us by sharing this post in hopes that it reaches someone that may be able to help.  Your efforts will help keep this facility open for the next generation.  Meadow Wood has done so much for us; we hope you will help us return the favor.