The gates did eventually open, and the park has been busier than ever. One morning, ice farmers arrived to find 155 people waiting to climb, something unheard of only a few years ago. In total, the park will likely see more than 20,000 visitors this season. Peter O"Neil, executive director of the Ouray Ice Park, attributes it to ice climbing"s soaring popularity as well as the gym-like nature of the park.