The Winthrop Rink is a bit like an iceberg: the big prominent aspect that gets all the attention is the ice program, but beneath the surface lies the bulk of the rink’s programming. Spring and summer bring favorite fair-weather activities as well as some innovative new opportunities.
Pickleball
Rest easy, pickleball players; your court time is back. America’s fastest-growing sport has a fan base in the Methow Valley and it was probably with great enthusiasm that the local players learned that pickleball was named the official sport of Washington state in 2022. Six courts on the concrete slab means 12-24 players having a great time playing that amalgamation of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Doubles and Couples League augments drop-in sessions.
Ball hockey
If you said a teary goodbye to ice hockey season, you might want to give ball hockey a shot. A pilot program for the Winthrop Rink this spring and fall, ball hockey is like ice hockey, removes the skates and puck in favor of sneakers and balls. There’s even a co-ed ball hockey league.
Futsal
Another new offering is futsal: “a soccer-based game played on a hard court like a basketball court with a much smaller field size than traditional soccer ensuring a fast-paced and more intense game with more opportunity for goal scoring,” the Winthrop Rink website reads. “A smaller, heavier ball with less bounce tests the agility and footwork of the players as it is not designed to be controlled with the head or chest.” For those who are interested but new to the sport, the Winthrop Rink offers Thursday evening training sessions.
Basketball
A new set of adjustable and portable basketball hoops allows the Winthrop Rink to expand the diversity of sports offerings and capitalize on the community’s passion for basketball. They’re looking for some local basketball enthusiasts to “help lead the development of basketball opportunities including drop-in, leagues, and youth camps.”
Roller/Inline skating
Wheels on the pad resumes this summer, with roller/inline skating resuming in the summer. A fleet of roller and inline skates means even those without their own gear can participate, accompanied by hip tunes that make the whole skating experience groovy to the max.
Teen night
The Winthrop Rink is committed to providing “a consistent, reliable, and safe opportunity for teens and tweens in the Methow Valley to get together.” In pursuit of that goal, and in collaboration with local community partners and youth leaders, they are developing a free Thursday evening teen program, where they will “open up our Wi-Fi, our upstairs viewing room for movies, ping pong, and foosball, our court and facility for basketball, soccer, roller skating, ball hockey, and themed nights such as Bring your Wheels with skateboarding and bicycles.” Those with input about the developing program are encouraged to contact the Winthrop Rink at info@winthroprink.org.
Youth sports camp
Another new offering serving youth is the Youth Sports Camp, a pilot program “developed in coordination with community feedback and experienced summer camp providers.” The four-day camps run July 19-22 and Aug. 7-10 and serve ages 7 and under, 8-9 year-olds, and 10-11 year-olds. Kids will rotate through ball hockey, futsal, basketball, and one indoor activity. Ryan Bell will lead ball hockey and Andrew Walls will teach futsal. The Winthrop Rink is still seeking a basketball leader. With the current demand for summer camps in the valley, the Winthrop Rink will consider expanding the program in 2024, depending on “greater awareness, successful execution, and sufficient resources.”
For times and dates, admission prices, and other information visit http://winthroprink.org.
