Both Kalispell and Whitefish currently have community ice rinks and they stay busy throughout the winter with learn-to-skate programs, ice hockey, stick and puck, public skating hours and hockey tournaments to list a few.

A community ice rink in Columbia Falls would give children and adults the opportunity to recreate right here in town, giving them similar programs to those offered in Kalispell and Whitefish. This would also give the three communities more opportunities for playing against one another and offering additional open skate availability here in the Valley. I imagine a hockey tournament in Columbia Falls would also bring a lot of hungry, tired people to our restaurants and hotels during the slow "off" season.

Ice skating is a great way to spend a winter outside. It can provide affordable recreation for the whole family. If you would be in support of this project, please sign. I will be sharing all the signatures of interest at the next City of Columbia Falls Parks Committee meeting towards the end of December or early January.