Columbia ice rink shuts for good after one season. Its problem? Too much winter
Columbia Ice Skating Park has shut down for good after a stormy first season that kept patrons away.
The attraction opened in November half a mile from Columbia State Historic Park. It had a synthetic surface designed to also host roller skaters in warmer months
This past winter brought storm after storm, the sponsoring Columbia Chamber of Commerce said on its website April 26. The rink could not operate on many December days and was mostly closed from January through March.
“Even on the few occasions when we could open during light or intermittent rain, only a small number of skaters were willing to brave the elements and come out to skate,” the chamber said.
The lack of income meant the group could not cover payroll, insurance and other costs. It also could not go through with plans to install a shade cloth for spring and summer roller skating.
The rink consists of interlocking panels of a polymer that is self-lubricating and needs no water or electricity. The chamber plans to sell off the components and put the proceeds into other events.
And, yes, Columbia has plenty going on. The state park has dozens of buildings from the Gold Rush of 1849 and ensuing years. They house restaurants, retail, live theater and other ventures.
The place will go even deeper into history May 18-21 with its annual Columbia Diggins Tent Town 1852. Docents will re-create a mining camp and answer questions from visitors.
Tuolumne County is back to just one ice rink, at Long Barn Lodge, just off Highway 108 east of Twain Harte. Skating season is over, but visitors can enjoy other activities in and near the Stanislaus National Forest.
