Vienna City Council approves outdoor hockey rink at Jackson Park

Vienna, WV, is set to enhance its recreational offerings with the approval of a new outdoor hockey rink at Jackson Park. During the city council meeting on June 26, 2025, council members unanimously authorized the Vienna Recreation Improvement Association (VRIA) to construct the rink, which will be located adjacent to the existing basketball courts.

The initiative, driven by community demand for local hockey facilities, was made possible through generous donations from the Meet Family Charitable Fund and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation. These funds allowed VRIA to acquire all necessary materials, including rink boards, barrier netting, and goals, ensuring the facility is safe for public use.

Installation of the rink will be carried out by VRIA volunteers at no cost to the city, and the structure is designed to require minimal ongoing maintenance. This project not only expands recreational options for residents but also enhances the overall utility of Jackson Park, making it a more vibrant community space.

The decision to move forward with the rink stemmed from community members expressing a need for a local place for children to play hockey, eliminating the need for long drives to distant facilities. The grassroots effort, led by committee member Gil Conley, reflects a strong community spirit reminiscent of past initiatives that brought residents together to improve local parks.

With the council's approval, the project is set to move forward immediately, promising to provide a new venue for outdoor sports and foster community engagement in Vienna.