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Council approves Winter Wonderland ice rink contract; council to revisit ticketing and bumper-car option in September
Summary
Council approved a contract with Ice Rink Events to operate a temporary winter ice rink at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (Nov. 27–Jan. 5, 2027). Staff presented pricing, attendance estimates and an optional add-on of electric ice bumper cars; council approved the agreement and requested a September follow-up on ticket pricing and sponsorship for bumper cars.
The Dripping Springs City Council approved an agreement with Ice Rink Events to install and operate a temporary holiday ice rink at Dripping Springs Ranch Park from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 5, 2027, and discussed an optional ice bumper-car attraction.
Emily Nelson, assistant director of parks and community services, presented pricing comparisons to similar regional events and outlined a proposed $15 individual ticket price with bulk/punch-pass discounts. She described optional electric ice bumper cars (10 vehicles) as an add-on with a freight fee of $3,800 and a daily activation fee of $1,400; full-season activation would cost more and staff modeled weekday/weekend activation scenarios.
Councilmembers praised the event’s community benefits and discussed raising prices to improve cost recovery; one councilmember asked staff to aim for higher revenue recovery (97%) while keeping a family punch-pass affordable. Nelson said ticket prices need not be set now and recommended staff pursue sponsorships; she asked to return in September with updated sponsorship information and a proposal for final ticket pricing and bumper car feasibility.
Council moved and approved the contract as presented. The approved agreement allows the city to add the bumper cars later if sponsorship or budget alignment supports the activation. Staff will track sponsorship outreach and return in September for a follow-up meeting on pricing and the bumper-car option.
