New Columbia rink offers a twist on ice skating. What else awaits in and near Stanislaus?
Columbia is joining the array of ice skating venues within easy driving distance of Modesto.
The Columbia Ice Skating Park will debut Saturday, Nov. 5, and operate year-round on a synthetic surface. It is half a mile east of the state park that celebrates the town’s Gold Rush origin.
Holiday skating seasons will open later in November at existing rinks in Modesto, Turlock, Long Barn and Yosemite National Park.
Most venues create their ice by freezing water on a flat surface, aided by ambient temperatures. Columbia’s is made of interlocking panels of a polymer that is self-lubricating and requires no water or electricity.
“Synthetic ice closely mimics the feel of real ice with an 85%-90% glide equivalent and requires a little more effort to skate than real ice,” the rink’s website said.
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce and several co-sponsors created the rink, at 11551 Yankee Hill Road. Due to limited parking, reservations are required. Hours, prices and other details are at www.columbiaiceskatingpark.com.
This and other rinks in the region have skates for rent and can be booked for parties. The others are:
Modesto on Ice: The downtown attraction will run from Nov. 19 to Jan. 16. Details are at www.modestoonice.com.
Fields of Ice, Turlock: The new season will begin Nov. 18 and last until Jan. 16. This site near the east side of town already has pumpkins and a corn maze and will move into Christmas tree sales. Details are at www.turlockfieldsofice.com.
Long Barn Lodge: Skating will run from mid-November to mid-March, but exact dates were not available. It’s off Highway 108 between Twain Harte and Pinecrest. Details are at www.thelongbarnlodge.com.
Yosemite: The rink at Curry Village will open Nov. 18; a closing date was not available. Details are at www.travelyosemite.com.
Skating will not be offered this year at Dell’Osso Farms, near Lathrop.
This story was originally published October 31, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
