The Gorge Ice Rink - conceptual exterior view by Scott Edwards Architecture
Columbia Gorge Skating Association

Help us bring a rink to the Gorge.

Building the first year-round indoor rink in the Columbia River Gorge - on Barrett Drive, ten minutes from downtown Hood River.

Community update

Thank you, Ruins Party.

Our Summer Party at The Ruins on July 27 was a room full of Gorge locals showing up for the rink. Together we raised $51,500 - money that goes directly to Phase 2 site work and pushes the whole project meaningfully forward.

To everyone who came, bid, played, poured, or brought a friend: thank you. This is what community-built looks like.

Keep it going - donate ->
$51,500
Raised at the Ruins
July 27, 2026

Why a rink

It’s for the kids.

The Gorge already plays. Pond hockey at Laurence Lake and the Hook when the ice forms. Roller hockey during the winter months. Figure skaters and beginners lacing up wherever they can find a sheet.

But there’s no permanent home. Adult leagues drive to Portland for ice time. Seasons disappear when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The next generation grows up improvising.

This rink has been a conversation in the Gorge for years — on long drives home from Portland, on chairlifts, at community gatherings. CGSA is the volunteer-run nonprofit turning that conversation into something real.

Two young boys smiling and posing for a photo, with one making a peace sign. Behind them, there are hockey jerseys and American flags hanging on the wall, suggesting a sports or team celebration.
Young boy in a hockey jersey wearing a medical helmet with a chin strap at a hospital or clinic.
An adult helping a young child on an ice rink, with the child wearing a helmet and skating gear. The adult is bent over supporting the child, both on ice skates. In the background, an American Cup banner is visible.

Who we are

Like you, we have a love of Ice! Skating, Curling and Hockey!

CGSA is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) of Gorge residents — parents, hockey players, figure skaters, and business owners — working to bring a year-round rink to the place we call home.

The vision

Here's what we're building.

A warm, welcoming rink on Barrett Drive, ten minutes from downtown Hood River. A full NHL-standard ice sheet. Locally-inspired materials. A gathering place built for the whole Gorge community.

Full site plan, floor plan, interior, and design story on the Vision page.

See the full vision ->
Design partner: Scott Edwards Architecture - Portland, OR
The Gorge Ice Rink - conceptual exterior view
Something for everyone

For every age, every ability, every reason to skate.

A home rink isn’t one sport or one age group. It’s the place where first-time skaters take their first laps, adult league regulars get their Tuesday-night game, and Saturday-night dates happen on the ice.

Learn-to-skate

First-time skaters of every age. Group lessons, family sessions, drop-in basics.

Youth hockey

Practice, league play, and tournaments for kids who already love the game.

Adult hockey

Pickup, adult leagues, open ice. The sport you’ve been driving two hours for.

Figure skating

Lessons, freestyle sessions, and competitive training in a real rink — not a pond.

Public skating

Saturday nights. Family afternoons. Holiday skates. Open to anyone with skates and an hour.

Curling

Learn-to-curl clinics, leagues, and bonspiels. Friendliest sport on ice — no experience required.

Coach & official development

Programs that grow the next generation of Gorge skating leaders.

Where the dollars stand

Building the rink, phase by phase.

Raised toward construction $587,093
Total campaign $12,000,000
4.9% of $12M capital campaign Updated August 2026
01
Land
$500K
Secured
02
Site Work
$2.5M
Active
Inspiration & testimonials

Voices from the Gorge.

A few of the more than a thousand Gorge residents who’ve already told us why a rink belongs here.

Socializing
“Those of us who grew up with a rink in the ‘hood know its value to the whole community. Moms, dads and kids can skate and/or play hockey their entire lives. It’s great for socializing, fitness, parties, lessons and competition. My family is excited, and I look forward to seeing you there!”
Gorge resident · Survey response
Off the street
“A Gorge ice rink will be so much more than just a place to play ice hockey, the greatest game on earth. It will be somewhere for kids to go, as it was for me, instead of hanging out around town on a Saturday night.”
Gorge resident · Survey response
Teamwork
“I want to teach my children how to skate and play hockey. Some of the best lessons in life can be learned there — like how to compete, or how to be part of a team.”
Gorge resident · Survey response
Add your voice

Show your support.

Want a rink in the Gorge? Tell us — the more voices we have, the stronger the case for funders, partners, and the county. Or read what your neighbors already said.

More ways to help

Beyond a donation.

Give another way

Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund (Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard). Transfer appreciated stock. Mail a check. If you are 70 1/2 or older, make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA - it can count toward your RMD without being taxable income. CGSA is a 501(c)(3), EIN 33-2079456.

See all ways to give ->

Share your story

What would a year-round rink in the Gorge mean to you or your family? DM us on Instagram - real Gorge voices help make the case with donors, funders, and neighbors still on the fence.

DM @thegorgeicerink ->

Spread the word

Follow us, share our posts, tell a friend. Word of mouth from Gorge locals is the most powerful tool we have. Every share brings the rink closer.

Follow us on Instagram ->

Got a question?

Want to volunteer, partner with us, or just learn more? The board reads every message. We'd love to hear from you.

Contact us ->