The doors open while it's still dark, and in January that means somebody has already been out front with a blade and a bag of ice melt. Sterling Recreation Center handles snow on its walks, entries and parking so the early swimmers and walkers can cross from car to door without picking their way. Northeast Colorado wind refills a cleared path by mid-morning, so the passes repeat for as long as the weather keeps at it. Ramps, curb cuts and the stretch right at the entrance get the closest attention, because footing there decides everything. It's a small thing, and it's what keeps a winter town in motion.