Colin Hilton had a big job, including funding and operating three Olympic competition venues: the Utah Olympic Park, Utah Olympic Oval and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.  Colin operated a fourth venue, known as the Ditch, the neighborhood ice rink in the open space between his home on Sagebrook Drive and Kingsford. Every fall he would lead the charge to build the rink with the materials stored in his yard.  The first cold snap would bring out the garden hoses to fill the liner. Once the ice was set, Colin would resurface the rink at least one night a week, but not before shoveling and shoveling, the colder the better.  His group text messages would keep us all updated on the ice conditions. No doubt it was a labor of love with moments of great satisfaction: the kids getting a lot of days in during winter break, maybe trying skating or hockey for the first time. There were Tuesday and Thursday hockey nights under the lights and stars. When the puck went over the boards, a beer break.   The basic rules posted on the sign “Welcome to the Ditch”: All are welcome, but please be respectful to the equipment, neighbors and the land. Keep the area clean and the ice clear of objects when done! Have fun and be courteous and respectful of others! No inappropriate behavior, as determined by neighbors adjacent to the rink! For questions or comments, text or call Colin Hilton All for us. How lucky we were to have this experience? Thank you, Colin, for all the great memories at the fourth venue. You will be missed. Tyler Dustman For neighbors on Sagebrook Drive (and countless others) The post A toast to Colin appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less