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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.
Featured project
Lighting Upgrade
The Winthrop Rink is a bright spot in the lives of the 15,000 people who skate here every year. The Rink's stadium lights are also literally a bright spot on the Methow Valley skyline -- and that gives many residents mixed feelings.
That’s why we’ve partnered with the Methow Valley Dark Sky Coalition and the Methow Valley Citizens Council to create a plan that will improve the Winthrop Rink’s lighting finger print on the skyline.
Read about it in our Project Brief.
UPDATE: An anonymous donor has offered to make a $30,000 matching donation if the balance — $33,000 — can be raised by July 30, 2025. Join the effort and help us meet the match!
Project Cost: $63,000
Anonymous Donor Match: $30,000
Balance to Fundraise: $33,000
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. Select “Puck Wall” during the online donation process, or email info@winthroprink.org.
$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.
