Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Skate Zone supporters urge county help and request rink be included in Bader Field redevelopment plans
Summary
A public commenter asked the county to endorse keeping the Skate Zone ice rink in Atlantic City and to advocate for a replacement rink in Bader Field redevelopment, citing community reliance on the facility and regional travel burdens if it closes.
A public commenter told the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 that the Skate Zone ice rink in Atlantic City is an important community resource and urged county support to keep ice sports in the area or secure a replacement as part of the Bader Field redevelopment.
Allen Rhodes, president of the South Jersey Ice & Athletic Center Association and former Stockton University hockey coach, asked the board to adopt a resolution supporting continued operation of the Skate Zone and to advocate that any Bader Field redevelopment plan include a replacement rink. "There are dozens of families and children who rely on that ice rink," Rhodes said, adding that the next nearest rinks are an hour away in locations such as Toms River and Voorhees.
Rhodes asked the county to explore forming a county committee to pursue inclusion of a replacement rink in the proposed redevelopment of Bader Field and to pursue the support of local, state and federal representatives; he noted prior community petition drives and meetings with state officials. Rhodes also said a charity event at the Skate Zone scheduled for the following day would benefit the family of a former Atlantic City police sergeant.
Why it matters: commissioners and the public said losing the rink would increase travel time for youth teams and families and remove a community asset used for youth sports and recreation. Commissioner [Rizzoli] suggested coordinating with municipal officials and historical sites where relevant. Senator [Palestina], present at the meeting, said he and other legislators had discussed the issue with federal and state representatives and that there was support for finding solutions.
Limitation: Rhodes explicitly said his proposals were his own and not the product of an elected official or of the county. Commissioners said they would share Rhodes’s written materials with other commissioners and consider next steps, including whether to create a county review or liaison to support a possible replacement facility.
Ending: Rhodes offered to serve on a committee if the board forms one; commissioners said they would circulate his materials and follow up on possible coordination with municipal and state officials.
