On November 18th, the City of Lakewood and our operating partner, Lakewood Community Ice (LCI), hosted a grand re-opening of the Winterhurst Ice Rink. This event marks the culmination of our initial efforts to reposition this important city facility to maximize its benefit to our Lakewood community. The City’s overarching goal continues to be to make Winterhurst an affordable, inviting, community-focused ice rink that first and foremost serves the needs and priorities of the people of Lakewood. We believe recent updates have moved us toward achieving that goal.



Some of the recent changes in operations and investment to Winterhurst have included both operational changes and capital investments. On the operations side, we are excited that public skating and educational opportunities are now back and seen as a primary function of the facility. This includes programming for Open/Public Skate, Parent-Tot Hockey, Adult Drop-In Hockey, and Adult Skate. We also have excellent new concessions (Zamboni’s of Lakewood) and pro shop (Perani’s Hockey World) operators in place to serve the needs of our users.

Initial physical improvements include a refresh (e.g., new paint) for the lobby, concessions, and lounge areas, as well as a 100% replacement of the skates (both hockey and figure) available for the public rental use. We also have ensured the designation of a girls' locker room and made necessary repairs to several areas of the facility. And I’m proud to report that the traditional signage, name, and logo for the “Winterhurst Ice Arena” are back in use and prominently displayed inside and out.

Moving forward, the City and LCI will continue with additional elements of the long-term capital plan to ensure the long-term health and maximum community benefit of the facility. In the near term, we expect to see new furniture for all facility spaces, new brighter and more efficient LED lighting, and additional restroom upgrades. Longer term, our plan includes items such as replacing the ice plant and a much-needed locker room renovation over the next 12 to 24 months.

I want to thank LCI for the new energy they have brought to managing Winterhurst and also thank our community advisory committee who helped us build the vision for the facility moving forward. It’s clear that their efforts are having a major impact for Winterhurst and for its users.

Last month we had a busy election day, and I thank all of you who showed up to participate in our democracy. Voter turnout in Lakewood was high, showing how involved you all are and how deeply you care about staying engaged in our civic duties.  

I would like to congratulate Councilpersons Kyle Baker, Cindy Marx, and Jason Shachner, who are all returning to continue serving on Lakewood City Council for Wards 1, 2, and 4 respectively. Also, a warm welcome and congratulations goes out to Cindy Strebig, who will join council in January after winning the open seat for Ward 3. I was also honored to be returned to office for another term through this election, and I look forward to working together with council and our team at City Hall to provide our residents with the excellent city services and amenities they expect and deserve.

As we look forward to the upcoming holiday season, I hope that you and your loved ones enjoy these times in happiness and peace.

Happy Holidays!

Mayor Meghan F. George