This summer, extensive repairs and cleanup at the Ouray Ice Park generated friction between multiple stakeholders. Although collaboration between public and private interests often proved tense, the park is on track to open for its busiest ice climbing season yet.
In March, 6 tons of rock poured into the Ouray Ice Park from cliffs above, destroying an access bridge and pipes that supply water for most of its routes. The Trestle bridge facilitated access to the Schoolroom, the park’s signature area. The lines fed it, as well as the entire southern end of the park.
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In the incident’s immediate wake, opening the Ouray Ice Park on schedule in mid-December looked uncertain. But to put it bluntly, not opening the park would trigger an economic disaster — 65% of the southwest Colorado town’s winter economy relies on the business it generates.
On top of that, winter 2021-22 was set to be the park’s busiest ever. Three major competitions and festivals filled the calendar, including the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) North American Championships.
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The Damage: What Exactly Happened?
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![ouray ice park bridge ouray ice park](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/IMG_20210316_103056d.jpg)
So … Who Pays for What?
![image-assetafew ouray ice park](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/image-assetafew.jpeg)
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Locals Raise Messaging Concerns, Suggest Alternative Methods
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The UIAA’s Impending Impact on the Ouray Ice Park
![ice climbing ouray ice park](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/image000000dfawe.jpg)
![ice climbing ouray ice park](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/11/24753843495_b19ae3aaac_k.jpg)
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A Call for Funding Transparency Triggers Social Media Backlash
“Your oversimplification of the issue and how to fix it in your narrative above shows how little informed you are about the complexity and magnitude of the bridge collapse and the ripple effect it has had on the Trestle and Schoolroom areas adjacent the bridge. You simply don’t have the facts Dawn and this issue is more complex than you realize so quit digging yourself a hole, a public report will be forthcoming as soon as we have a finalized solution in place.”
After Heavy Lifting, the Ouray Ice Park Opens
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