Founders rink stays dark this winter; council seeks answers on ice operations and contractor role

The Finance Committee on Jan. 21 took up an order asking the parks and recreation and public works directors to update the council on short‑ and long‑term plans for the Founders Memorial skating rink after the facility sat unused this winter.

Recreation Manager Jeremy Valacio outlined spring and summer plans for the site, including expanded after‑school programming, a low‑cost five‑week "Summer Spot" for children ages 5–10, girls‑sports events, Summer Streets partnerships, a fall festival and other community activities. "We would also like to continue to grow some of our female sports programs as well," Valacio said, describing wide use of the space when it is not iced.

Councilors focused on winter use. Councilor Scott said the private operator, FMCI Sports, was not offered the option to operate the rink this year and, "as a result, no ice was put down," and he asked whether that decision came from the administration. Recreation management said they did not make the decision to decline an operator bid and that the director responsible for that choice was not present in the meeting. Chair Jake Wilson and other councilors requested a follow‑up with the department director to clarify the procurement and contract decision, and the committee kept the order in committee so the director could appear and answer questions.

Councilors also asked for data on who uses the facility and how the city conducts outreach to ensure programming is equitable. Councilor Navarro asked for demographic information and clearer registration outreach, citing an instance where her daughter was not registered for a program despite visiting the site.

The committee retained the item in committee pending a director-level briefing that staff said they would schedule.