Community Ice Facility in San Diego

The City of Escondido, in collaboration with The Rinks Foundation, has unveiled plans to develop a state-of-the-art community ice facility at Kit Carson Park. This initiative aims to revitalize local interest in ice sports and provide a versatile venue for residents of all ages.

 

The proposed complex will feature three ice rinks, including one with seating capacity for 2,000 to 3,000 spectators. Amenities will encompass a restaurant, training areas, and competition facilities. The facility is designed to host a variety of activities such as youth and adult hockey programs, figure skating, sled hockey, public skating sessions, curling, and broomball. Additionally, it will serve as a practice venue for the San Diego Gulls AHL team and a home for the San Diego Jr. Gulls and local high school hockey teams.

 

This project is set to be fully funded and constructed by The Rinks Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by philanthropists Henry and Susan Samueli, owners of the San Diego Gulls and Anaheim Ducks. All proceeds generated from the complex will be reinvested to promote the growth of ice sports and activities within the local community.

 

Escondido City Manager Sean McGlynn expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the loss felt by the community after the closure of Ice-Plex Escondido, once the largest ice skating facility in the county. He emphasized the opportunity to not only reintroduce ice sports to Escondido but also to expand access to ice facilities across Southern California.

 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining this collaboration is scheduled for presentation to the Escondido City Council on June 3. If approved, the city and The Rinks Foundation plan to host community meetings to gather public input on the proposal. An online platform will also be available for residents to share their feedback. Concurrently, the city will conduct due diligence and seek additional input on park facilities citywide to address broader community needs.

 

The initiative underscores a commitment to community benefit by dedicating the facility primarily to public use, thereby expanding access to ice sports and recreation. It also aims to bolster local economic activity through year-round programming. Planned offerings include youth and adult hockey, figure skating, public skating sessions, learn-to-skate classes, and inclusive programs for athletes with disabilities. With only six ice sheets currently available in all of San Diego County—the second-most populous county in California—this development addresses a growing demand for ice sports in the region.

 

The outcomes of the community engagement and due diligence processes will be presented to the City Council at a future public hearing for further consideration and direction on subsequent steps.

 

This proposed community ice facility represents a significant investment in Escondido's recreational infrastructure, promising to become a central hub for ice sports enthusiasts and a catalyst for community engagement.