Historic Folsom Holiday Ice Rink opens Friday with new look, new management

The thrill of ice skating during the holiday season returns this weekend in Historic Folsom with a brand new ice rink in a slightly new location and all new management for 2022. Ice is already setting up and it is set to officially open at 10 a.m. Friday. "Our 2022 ice skating season in the Historic District of Folsom is about to get underway, we've been working hard to bring some positive changes to the rink, " explained Folsom Historic District Association (FHDA) Executive Director Judy Collinsworth. "We think you're going to love our new ice skating scene." While it's being advertised as a new location, the new ice rink isn't too far from the location it has been in past years, in fact it's less than 75 feet south of the railroad turntable where it was located previously. The move is for this single year as the Folsom Historic District Association takes on full operations and management of the rink, unlike previous seasons when an outside vendor handled all of the operations. After their maiden voyage in managing holiday fun with this year's rectangular rink, the Folsom Historic District Association plans to expand their effort next year back into the turnable. "This is for one year, as the round rink is very specialized and will take more time to fabricate," explained Collinsworth. "We have planned extra special lighting and have some fire pits to make it super fun and it's going to be fabulous." Over recent weeks, the Folsom Historic District Association has been busy hiring staff and organizing volunteers to assist with the operations of the rink, which will be seven days a week all the way until Jan. 16. "We're excited about the change, which brings with it an entirely new management team with new bright, shiny faces, a new ice-making system for better ice quality and a whole host of new features, updated skates, theme nights, and several $10 Tuesdays," said Collinsworth. "In addition, our turntable area remains open and available for viewing the rink from above, which will be a birds-eye view for sure." Like previous seasons, the Folsom Ice Rink is a financial undertaking for the Folsom Historic District Association. This year is no exception with rising costs and expenses taken on with the new program. Thankfully, due to the generous business community that pitched in with numerous levels of sponsorship, it came to reality. "This would not be possible without the great sponsors we have in the community and the amount of dedicated volunteers each year," said Collinsworth. "The ice rink has never been a profitable venture for the FHDA, we do it to bring tourism and visitors to the district and the city. In the end, we hope it at least breaks even with the expenses or comes very close." With the new location came the need for some heavy construction and infrastructure. Jerry Bernau, developer and longtime Folsom Historic District Association board member was instrumental in preparing the site. According to Bernau, adequate power was the biggest challenge to run the chillers and equipment, something that SMUD assisted with. "We couldn't have accomplished this without SMUD's help this year, " said Bernau. "They went above and beyond to help us power this rink properly, it's not something you can just plug in, it takes a lot and it has to be done right. We're really thankful for their help." Among the many new faces who will staff the rink will be Folsom resident Tyler Pepper. Pepper, 21, is known in the community for his love of the holidays. Last year, Pepper created an elaborate holiday scene outside his Folsom home, complete with a snow machine and he could be spotted driving around town in his fully decorated car to bring spirit to the community for the holidays. Now, he brings that same energy to Historic Folsom with a team that shares in his excitement. "Something I saw I could do is a big community thing out in the public, helping local businesses along Sutter street grow," said Pepper. ""We've put in a lot. We actually have a brand-new upgraded chiller this year that will keep the ice frozen so that it is that smooth flat surface. It is a lot of work but it's so worth it in the end. It makes me happy, it makes the community happy and that's what we need, happiness." Pepper isn't alone in his longtime love of the holidays in his hometown. Many who have signed up to work at the rink have long patronized it, such as employee Reese Lieuwen."I've been skating here since I was 4 years old, I can remember saying I want to work here," said Lieuwen. "It brings so many people to Folsom and the neighborhoods, and it just brings so much Christmas cheer that we love to spread around." The energy surrounding the new Folsom Ice Rink can be felt all around the Folsom community. It can also be seen in the newly designed logo for the ice rink, which was designed by local artist Brian Wallace, voted best local artist by readers of The Folsom Telegraph. "When I was asked to think about a design for the ice rink, I was standing at Sutter and Wool. I looked across at Dorothea's Shoppe and Hop Sing Palace and decided I would work these two buildings into the design," said Wallace. "I took a walk on Sutter Street today and saw posters for the ice rink in the windows of several businesses. I still get a thrill seeing my art in the wild and today was no exception. See you all out at the rink when it opens." The Historic Folsom Ice Rink will open at 10 a.m. Friday. Tickets are available online and the onsite ticket booth is cashless this year to streamline operations. Adult tickets are $18 and children's tickets are $14, which now includes skate rental. They also offer the option of skating classes, assists, fire pit reservations and even s'mores to complete your visit. All ticket sales go to covering the costs to construct and operate the rink throughout the season. To purchase tickets, reserve fire pits and for more information, visit www.folsomicerink.com or call 916-790-8588 for more information.