The Howelsen Ice Arena will be closing for annual spring cleaning on Monday, May 8. During the closure, staff will remove the existing sheet of ice to clean the concrete and repaint lines and logos. In addition to other cleaning and maintenance projects at the rink, the refrigeration condenser unit will also receive some attention. During May 15-17, a crane will be working along the back of the rink and the dirt track. Cones and barricades will be in place, but we ask any recreationalists utilizing this area to be aware of the work and remain at a safe distance. The target reopening date for the rink is Monday, June 5. We look forward to seeing everyone next month!

As temperatures increase and water flows continue rise, Parks & Recreation has had to close sections of the Yampa River Core Trail. During spring runoff, rivers and creeks will rise and fall requiring sections of the trail to close as water exceeds the banks and floods the pathway and tunnels. As flows fluctuate, there will be closures and detours across the trail system. In addition to runoff from creeks and rivers, the 9th Street underpass under the train tracks has been inundated with runoff from Howelsen Hill and Emerald Mountain. Drainage ditches along Howelsen Parkway are at full capacity and a culvert that runs under the railroads tracks is clogged, so the tunnel is now completely underwater. We want to remind everyone that cold and fast moving water is very dangerous. Do not wade into the water or attempt to swim through flooded tunnels or underpasses. Please follow all posted signs and detours.

Parks & Recreation has teamed up with local company SavATree (formerly Aspen Tree Services) to provide the community with free mulch year-round. Yampa Valley residents can visit the SavATree yard at 2645 Jacob Circle Unit #1 to pick up mulch Monday - Friday during normal business hours. We recommend calling in advance so that they can provide assistance loading trucks and trailers. Community members will still be able to drop off their holiday trees for recycling at Emerald Park (Dec - February), but free mulch will no longer be available for pick up at the park.

As the field use season approaches, we wanted to pass along a few reminders and updates. Due to the current wet conditions, we anticipate full field closures through the weekend, and likely extending through the week of May 8. If you are not already signed up for our field closure notifications, it's easy! Just click the "sign-up today" button to learn more and register for our Notify Me program. Our goal is always to provide safe and playable athletic fields to our community and visitors as soon as possible, so we appreciate your patience with this uncertain spring weather.

Become a Friend of the Botanic Park this summer! This group of amazing volunteers helps sustain the park by maintaining the world-class gardens, improving the visitor experience, and raising funds through fun and innovative programs and events. There are many volunteer opportunities available including gardeners, garden greeters, tour guides and special event volunteers. The park will be hosting a Friends of the Botanic Park volunteer orientation on May 17 at 11:30 AM. Learn more about the park, volunteer opportunities available, and meet other volunteers and staff. Bring a smile and sack lunch to enjoy on The Green.

Parks & Recreation is asking that anyone utilizing the Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds parking lot to stick to the pavement. Crews will be performing electrical work in the Rodeo Plaza area over the next few weeks. Please do not drive into the contestant camping area and stay clear of any active work sites. As the season changes and more people begin utilizing Emerald Mountain, be aware of hazards near the base of Howelsen Hill and the Rodeo Grounds.

We all enjoy doing what we love, and when your job is fun, it really doesn't feel like a job does it? Parks & Recreation is currently hiring a number of part-time and seasonal positions that offer end-of-season bonuses and other perks like ski/skate passes and housing opportunities. Join our team and enjoy what we all love about Steamboat Springs, community and the outdoors!

Teens are an important part of our community, and keeping them safe is a top priority. In addition to ongoing outreach efforts, the Steamboat Springs Police Department has developed a teen support program ‘In The Same ‘Boat’, an inter-agency collaboration to promote and foster community support and encourage teen safety in the Yampa Valley. As part of the new initiative, the SSPD, in partnership with local agencies and non-profits, will be hosting a Teen Safety Week from May 8-May 13. One element of this week is a Teen Safety Fair on May 11 from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Teens, parents, and community members are invited to attend to learn more about the resources available in our area, in a casual, meet-and-greet setting. Visit the Teen Safety Week webpage for additional information and details.