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Despite rumors that Fredericksburg Ice Park is closing its doors, the ice rink in Uptown Central Park has new management and will stay open with hopes of improving its services.
The ice park "has seen a lot of changes and other places around it go, but we're still committed," said Rob Boyle, the new general manager and hockey director.
The rink, which caters to skaters of all ages and ability levels, came to the area in 1999 as the first tenant of Uptown Central Park.
Charlottesville-based D&R Development built the 40,000-square-foot facility that includes a rink, viewing areas, party rooms, shop and snack bar. The rink alone measures 200 feet by 85 feet, about the dimensions of a regulation-size National Hockey League rink.
But D&R Development split in 2002 and the two owners, Lee Danielson and Colin Rolph, went their separate ways. Danielson is still the owner of Fredericksburg Ice Park.
After that, Iceoplex--a California-based management firm--ran the business for two years until last February. Boyle took over as general manager in May.
Customers mentioned their concern that the rink was closing, but Boyle said that's not the case.
"It's declined over the years," he said. "[But] the owner is committed to keeping the place open."
Danielson, who currently lives in California, could not be reached for comment.
Now that the rink is managed locally, things have become a little easier and improvement plans are in the works.
"Before, everything was run out of California, so it was hard to get decisions made in a timely manner," said administrative assistant Cherie Hitt.
Boyle said that since he has taken over, he sees things that he'd like to improve "from mechanical stuff to programs."
He didn't say specifically what types of programs he plans to add, but did say he wants to be able to offer more to the community.
An exhausted Melissa Watson, 19, of Orange, sat on the sideline after ice skating for the first time Tuesday. Her 11-year-old brother, Tyler Ames of Stafford, has a little more experience on the ice, and had fun skating circles around her just minutes earlier.
Although it takes more effort than roller skating, Watson said, ice skating is a lot more fun.
"With roller skating you can't do the turns like you can with figure skating," she said. "It's prettier looking."
Amanda Mitchell, an employee with Locust Grove Head Start, said she doesn't skate but likes to watch. She brings a large group of 3- and 4-year-olds to ice skate every January.
"This is the only [ice rink] you can go to unless you go to D.C. around Christmas," she said.
The ice park is tucked away off one of Central Park's main streets.
"We got buried a bit, but it's a pretty good spot," Boyle said.
The park offers ice-skating classes and is the home of the Fredericksburg Falcons Hockey Club, Mary Washington College Ice Hockey Club, Fredericksburg Frostbite Women's Hockey Team and Fredericksburg Figure Skating Club.
The park is open year-round, Boyle said, but like most rinks, its popularity fluctuates with the temperatures outside. The peak season is between September and March when people are not away on vacation or doing other summer activities, he said.
Slow summer months are typical for most ice rinks, said Steve Fitts, manager of Fairfax Ice Arena. That park has been in business for 32 years.
He listed commitment and limited competition as key to running a successful rink.
"In the first seven years, you'll figure out if you're staying or going, sometimes even less than that," Fitts said.
Boyle said Fredericksburg Ice Park plans to stay.
"With this area, the potential is unlimited," he said. "It's fun being here and we're going to be here for quite some time."
Public skating at Fredericksburg Ice Park is available Monday through Friday afternoons for $5, and Friday night through Sunday for $7. Skate rental costs $2. Group rates are available for 10 or more skaters.
To reach PORTSIA SMITH: 540/374-5419 psmith@freelancestar.com
