Prince William County is set to gain a new in-line hockey rink, thanks to a collaborative effort between the county government, the Washington Capitals, and other key stakeholders. The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors recently gave unanimous approval to a lease amendment with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington's Hylton Club in Woodbridge, along with a memorandum of understanding with the Capitals, paving the way for the project to move forward. The anticipated opening date for the new rink is spring 2026.
What is an In-Line Hockey Rink?
An in-line hockey rink, often referred to as a "dry" hockey rink, is designed for rollerblading and is specifically tailored for street hockey and other sports played on wheels.
Location and Funding
The rink will be situated on a six-acre area adjacent to the Hylton Club, located at 5070 Dale Blvd. in Dale City. The county's contribution to the project, totaling $350,000, will be sourced from Neabsco District proffer funds.
Supervisor Enthusiasm
Supervisors from both sides of the political spectrum have voiced their support for the new rink. Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega emphasized that the project would not burden taxpayers. Neabsco Supervisor Victor S. Angry lauded the individuals who spearheaded the initiative, particularly recognizing R.J. Zeigler, the managing partner of Innovative Sports Management and owner of the Prince William Ice Center, as a "hometown hero."
A Long-Awaited Project
R.J. Zeigler noted that the approval represents the culmination of a lengthy process, spanning over four years and encountering various challenges, including funding hurdles with the National Hockey League. He emphasized the rewarding aspect of the project, highlighting its potential community impact.
A Collaborative Effort
Zeigler underscored the collaborative nature of the project, stating that the county, his private business, the Washington Capitals, the National Hockey League, and George Mason University have united to create a space where children can engage in sports, learn important life skills, and enjoy outdoor activities, reducing their screen time.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The rink is designed to cater to individuals of all ages and demographics. Funding for the project has been secured from a variety of sources, including county proffer funds, the Washington Capitals, Monumental Sports, George Mason University, the George Mason Alumni Foundation, and Baker Donelson.
Financial Contributions
The Washington Capitals are providing a $200,000 donation towards the project's $550,000 estimated cost. This donation is made possible through contributions from the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, Baker Donelson, George Mason University, the George Mason University Ice Hockey Alumni Foundation, and the National Hockey League.
The Power of Partnerships
Seth Hendler-Voss, the county's director of parks and recreation, emphasized the significance of collaboration in the project's success. He highlighted Prince William County's ability to foster strong partnerships, noting that the "ice zone" is a prime example of this capability. By leveraging creative partnerships, the county can maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars and think innovatively.
Programming and Future Collaborations
Hendler-Voss mentioned that Zeigler has been in discussions with the Hylton Club regarding the implementation of free and reduced programming at the rink. Further partnerships with the county may also be explored to cover other sports and new facilities.
Gratitude for Partners
Hendler-Voss expressed gratitude to the Boys and Girls Club for their partnership, acknowledging their efforts to expand their programs. The addition of the rink provides a valuable opportunity for the club to enhance its offerings without incurring additional costs.
Minimal General Fund Impact
During the board meeting, it was noted that the only general fund cost for the county associated with the project is an estimated $10,000 for insurance. This underscores the financial efficiency of the partnership and the minimal impact on the county's overall budget.
Community Benefits
The new in-line hockey rink promises to bring numerous benefits to the Prince William County community, including:
- Increased recreational opportunities: The rink will provide a dedicated space for individuals of all ages to participate in street hockey, rollerblading, and other wheeled sports.
- Improved physical health: By encouraging outdoor activity and sports participation, the rink will contribute to the physical well-being of community members.
- Enhanced community engagement: The rink will serve as a gathering place for residents, fostering a sense of community and social interaction.
- Positive youth development: The rink will offer opportunities for young people to learn valuable life skills, develop teamwork abilities, and stay active.
- Economic benefits: The project will create construction jobs and potentially stimulate local businesses in the surrounding area.
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