Persistent structural issues found at Chapman Hill Ice Rink could render the facility’s location unfeasible in the long run, according to a Durango Parks and Recreation facilities assessment published in July.
The structural issues are related to an active underground spring the ice rink was built on in 1998. Water seeps up through the floor, and there are concerns the facility is resettling in the ground. However, surveys performed this year and in 2021 show no evidence of that, the assessment says.
Assistant Recreation Director Kelli Jaycox, who’s been with the city for 20 years, said she’s never noticed substantial issues with the ice rink.
The assessment highlighted challenges such as maintaining consistent ice through outside weather conditions, Additionally, the rink appears to be sloughing on the east end because of unstable soils.
General renovations are also needed. For example, recently installed rubberized flooring is not adhering to the surface, creating trip hazards, and more parking space is needed at the site.
At a Durango City Council study session this past Tuesday, interim Parks and Recreation director Scott McClain said supply chain issues have slowed down the delivery of equipment such as parts for ice-making machines. He recommended having suppliers visit the facility, inspect equipment and make recommendations from there.
The facilities assessment says the main structural issues “cannot be remedied” and it may better serve the city to find a more suitable location.
“As amenities continue to deteriorate, it may not be affordable or practical to dedicate funds to maintain the rink in ‘very good’ condition, but rather maintain as ‘fair’ until another facility is approved,” the assessment says.
Jaycox said she is concerned the assessment sounds graver than it is, but a water and soil study at the Chapman Hill Ice Rink is necessary to confirm the ice rink’s condition and longevity.
“It’s always been there,” she said of the underground spring.
Because the ice rink was never intended to be used year-round, ice underneath the rink needs to thaw so it doesn’t continually build up, which could cause the rink to gradually rise, Jaycox said. She compared it to ice that builds up in a refrigerator or freezer.
But that is not cause to move the facility, she said.
“We may decide to look for a new location depending on the findings of the soil or the water. But I’ve been here 20 years and I don’t see a huge amount of change on the rink,” she said.
Jaycox said residents would not be pleased if the city moved the rink entirely. However, they would be happy if the city decides to build a second ice rink – something the city’s looking into.
One idea is to build a second rink next to the existing one at Chapman Hill. Jaycox said it would be nice to have both rinks in the same place to accommodate tournaments and other events, but limited parking has become a greater issue as the ski hill’s popularity grew.
She said the city could pair the needed studies with a soil study that will be conducted for the Chapman Hill Ski Area, which has problems of its own.
Its tow ropes, which are 57 years old, are outdated and need to be replaced, which Durango City Council recently approved a budget appropriation of $2.4 million.
Chapman Hill operations supervisor Matt Nimetz said in December the motor that runs the big rope tow originated at Camp Hale in central Colorado where World War II soldiers trained for winter combat, navigation and survival.
Maintenance on the lifts occurs daily while in operation. Although there weren’t any major breaks previously, the tow rope has been derailed from its wheels, wrecking the rope and requiring temporary closure of the park, he said
Chapman Hill is not the only facility due for upgrades. The Durango Gymnastics building, Durango Community Recreation Center, Lake Nighthorse and Moore Park Shop were also reviewed in the Parks and Recreation facilities assessment.
cburney@durangoherald.com
