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The Winthrop Rink is proud to be a community-funded, nonprofit organization. Since our founding, in 1999, we have developed a proven track record of converting grassroots fundraising efforts into meaningful development projects and programs for the benefit of the Methow Valley, and beyond. Read on to learn about exciting projects currently under way, and to be inspired by the past projects we’ve achieved.
Video by Jamie Petitto, with supplemental footage by John Schaefer and Ryan Bell
Featured Project - On Thin Ice
The Winthrop Rink is excited to announce that we’ve reached our goal of raising $2.5 million for our “On Thin Ice” capital campaign in committed contribtions, expected through 2027. We’ve been working on this project since 2022, when we first started writing grants to fundraise for the effort. By the time we went public, in Spring 2025, we had $800,000 left to raise.
Moving forward we are keeping our “On Thin Ice” fundraising channels open, with a slight change in strategy that any donation moving forward will go into a newly-created Winthrop Rink Development Fund. For the completion of “On Thin Ice”, we’re getting updated quotes for the Secondary Projects. If everything fits within the allotted $2.5 million, terrific! If not, we might consider some project-specific funding efforts. We’ll be sure to engage with the community about this when the time comes.
With your help, we can make sure the Winthrop Rink is a safe and fun ice skating facility for generations to come.
Read more about it in our Project Summary.
Past Projects
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![Winthrop Rink – Multi-Sport Court Surface]()
2024 — MULTI-SPORT COURT SURFACE
The Winthrop Rink’s concrete surface was great for making ice on in the winter. But it was slick in the non-ice months, flooded when there was rain, and was hard on the knees. A modular flooring system resolved all of that, making the Winthrop Rink a haven for dryland arena sports in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Funding support by the Town of Winthrop’s LTAC fund, Give Methow donors, and the Winthrop Rink’s own investment from it’s capital improvements fund. Watch the video.
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![Winthrop Rink – New Dasher Boards]()
2022 — NEW DASHER BOARDS
The rink’s original board system was a 20 year-old hand-me-down whose fiberglass structure was splintering and falling apart. New dasher boards and safety glass improved the safety and playability of the Winthrop Rink. Funding support by RCO Youth Athletic Facilities grant program, Town of Winthrop LTAC funds, Okanogan County LTAC funds, Give Methow donors, and the Winthrop Rink’s own investment from it’s capital improvements fund.
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![Winthrop Rink – Vinyl Underlayment]()
2021 — VINYL UNDERLAYMENT
Did you know ice rinks paint their ice white? We used to, too, but when it melted the paint residue got everywhere. So we raised money to purchase white vinyl underlayment, complete with cool graphics! Funding support by Town of Winthrop LTAC funds, Okanogan County LTAC funds, Give Methow donors, and the Winthrop Rink’s own investment from it’s capital improvements fund. Watch the video.
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![Winthrop Rink – Zamboni]()
2018 - ZAMBONI
For 20 years, the Winthrop Rink relied on a modified tractor to resurface its various ice surfaces. A new Zamboni made for more reliable ice making to create a fantastic skating experience. Funding support by Town of Winthrop LTAC funds, Okanogan County LTAC funds, Give Methow donors, and the Winthrop Rink's own investment from it's capital improvements fund.
Operating Fund
Donations to our General Operating Fund literally make the Zamboni go around. Running an outdoor ice rink is expensive, including the costs of ice refrigeration, building and arena maintenance, Zamboni maintenance, utilities, and paying our seasonal and year-round staff.
We strive to keep our program costs low. As the the lone rink within a 100-mile radius, we are committed to making Winthrop Rink programming affordable to the residents of Okanogan County, and beyond. To do so, we rely on donations to our Operating Fund to help cover our overhead costs.
This year, a local donor has pledged a $20,000 match to our Operating Fund if we can raise an additional $20,000 from community members by the end of the year. With your help, we believe we can hit that mark!
Other Ways to Help
DONATE TO THE PUCK WALL
Sponsorship at the Winthrop Rink has never been easier! Purchase a puck for the Puck Wall and print your name, business, or friend’s name to show your support for the rink. Pucks are valid for a year and all proceeds go to our equipment replacement fund. Email info@winthroprink.org with your commitment interest.
$100 = one black puck
$250 = one silver puck
$500 = one gold puck
VOLUNTEER
We wouldn’t be anywhere close to where we are today without our amazing volunteers. Interested in getting involved in a hands-on way? Please email info@winthroprink.org to learn about opportunities.
SPREAD THE WORD
Tell your friends and family how much fun you had at the rink! There’s no better way to make an impact than to become an active advocate. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, leave us a review on Tripadvisor or Google, and help spread the word about our magical outdoor rink.
