Southwest Denver Gets Some Rail Yard Fun
Denver’s Ruby Hill which was a hot spot for sledders years ago, is getting a boost from some winter weather and some artificial snow courtesy of Johnson Controls, which will convert about 1 million gallons of recycled water into snow before the park opens, according to the city Parks and Recreation Department. Beginning January 11th, an acre of groomed “rail yard” off South Platte River Drive and West Florida Avenue is scheduled to open. The park is free and open to the public. If the weather cooperates, the area will be in play for about four weeks. This is the 3rd year that the free urban ski and ride terrain park is being sponsored by Winter Park Resorts.
The Rail Yard at Ruby Hill will accommodate varying skill levels, using seven different rail styles and will have supervision provided by Winter Park Resort and Christy Sports, who have also provided the free use of equipment. According to the Winter Park volunteer staff, this rail park was ground breaking. “First established in 2007, Ruby Hill Rail Yard was the country’s first free urban terrain park based in a city. The experimental program attracted approximately 3,000 youth and adults, and instantly became a nationwide model for numerous cities and ski resort collaborations. The second year saw participation grow to over 6,000, which the city used to quantify Ruby Hill Rail Yard as an annual park.” Come check it out and enjoy the winter fun with the kids! Thanks to Winter Park, Christy Sports, Denver City and County and the 27+ volunteers who made this fun possible for the people of Denver Metro!!
Schedule for the Ruby Hill Rail Yard
- Open Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sundays from noon to 5 p.m
