West Grand Neighborhood Organization, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and the City of Grand Rapids are teaming up to bring winter fun to the west side of Grand Rapids. The organizations have constructed an ice rink and are holding winter-themed events from Jan. 28-Feb. 13. The temporary rinks are located just north of Richmond Pond.

Among the festivities planned are a broomball tournament, a 3 v. 3 hockey tournament, open skating, a crazy cardboard creation sledding contest and others. 

“Richmond Park is the ideal location for this; many Westsiders can remember growing up sledding on Richmond Hill and skating on Richmond Pond,” said Paul Knust, board president of WGNO. “We are seeking to add some fun to the middle of winter by encouraging people to come out and enjoy the festivities.”

“In better budget times, the City used to operate 22 ice rinks in neighborhood parks, ” said Steve Faber of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. “We are excited to partner with the community and City to pilot this new volunteer driven approach to utilize parks in all four seasons.”

Each weekend will feature a different theme:

• January 28-30 - Hot Chocolate
  Bring the kids down for open skating, a hockey clinic and a Crazy Cardboard Creation competition. And, don't forget that Richmond Park boasts one of the best sledding hills in GR
• February 4-6 - Hot Coffee
  Tie on your boots and grab a broom - it's Broomball Tourney Time! Local college students, get your whole dorm to participate - it's just another opportunity to show which school is the best! And, don't forget to head to one of the local Westside establishments for the after party!
  
• February 11-13 - Hot Toddy
  Lace up the skates and show off your pond hockey skills in our 3-on-3 tournament.

WinterWest needs volunteers to help make the event happen and teams for broomball and hockey. For information on volunteering please visit WinterWest's volunteer page.