Winterland at Heartwood Preserve Announces Daily Free Ice Skating, Kicks Off Winter Donation Drive
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve will shift from weekend operations to a daily schedule of free outdoor ice skating and skate rentals beginning Friday, organizers announced this week. The seasonal rink, located at Heartwood Park at 301 S. 145th St., opened Nov. 1 and has quickly become a popular holiday attraction for families across the Omaha metro.
The rink, sponsored by Applied Underwriters, allows visitors to reserve 90-minute skating sessions at no cost, with limited walk-up spots available. Reservations can be made online, and the rink accommodates up to 120 skaters per session.
As part of its expanded holiday programming, Winterland will host a series of free community events, including Ugly Sweater Fridays, Movies on Ice, Santa visits, and a Chanukah Skate in partnership with Chabad of Nebraska. Special hours are planned for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
In addition to the expanded skating schedule, Heartwood Preserve announced a winter clothing donation drive supporting the Care Closet, a program of Release Inc. The nonprofit, serving more than 2,000 children and families annually, has identified an urgent need for coats, hats, mittens, boots, scarves, and other cold-weather gear for youth. A donation bin will be available onsite during all rink operating hours through Feb. 1.
Visitors will also find the rink decorated for the holidays, complete with festive music and weekend appearances from local coffee vendors offering seasonal drinks and treats.
Winterland at Heartwood Preserve will remain open daily through Jan. 4 before returning to a weekend schedule for the remainder of the season. The rink will be closed on Thanksgiving. Organizers say private event reservations are also available.
Heartwood Preserve, a 500-acre mixed-use development, features trails, green space, retail, residential offerings, and recreational amenities designed to position the area as a regional destination.