By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
On Dec. 6, District officials, agency leaders and community partners gathered in Ward 7 to celebrate the reopening of the Fort Dupont Ice Arena according to a press release made by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The event highlighted upgrades to one of the city’s longstanding recreation sites. The ribbon cutting ceremony welcomed residents back to the modernized facility, which has been redesigned to support expanded skating programs and improved community access.
The rink opened in 1976 under the National Park Service during the nation’s bicentennial year. It later became known for producing two Olympic speedskating medalists and for housing the Fort Dupont Cannons, recognized as the oldest Black hockey program in North America. With the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) now running the building for the first time, the city is widening access to consistent, high quality instruction. To do that, DPR is offering grants of as much as $235,000 per group for programs that teach skating, develop figure skating and hockey skills, support broomball or field competitive youth hockey teams.
During the ribbon cutting, Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the significance of giving young people access to strong recreational environments.
“We know that our children in Washington, D.C. deserve access to the best facilities, the best programming, and the best opportunities to help them grow as athletes and as people. At the new Fort Dupont Ice Arena, we’re going to raise and train the next generation of ice skaters in Washington, D.C.,” she said in a statement about the event. “The Fort Dupont Ice Arena has long been a pillar of the community, and with DPR leading programming for the first time, we’re opening a new chapter for Ward 7 and for the Sports Capital.”
The revamped venue includes a full size NHL (National Hockey League) rink along with modern mechanical systems and building upgrades. It also has improved locker rooms, updated concessions, a larger skate rental area, new administrative space and two rooms that can be used for classes or community gatherings. Officials said the result is the top ice facility operated by the District government.
In a study done by the National Library of Medicine they found that “recreational facilities and the resources they offer are not equitably distributed. The presence of parks in poor and minority areas suggest that improving the types and quality of resources in parks could be an important strategy to increase physical activity and reduce racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities.”
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder said the long awaited reopening strengthens the area’s recreation network.
“I am so glad that the day has finally come for us to welcome neighbors to the new and improved Fort Dupont Ice Arena,” he said, in a statement. “The Fort Dupont Ice Arena has long been a jewel of Ward 7, making ice sports accessible for residents and visitors who might not otherwise have had access. Now, after successful renovations, I am proud to say the arena can continue to serve our community for years to come, bringing Ward 7 neighbors together and building on our momentum of investments to create a stronger ward.”
The renovation was designed by Quinn Evans Architects and built by Smoot Construction. The D.C. Department of General Services (DGS) director Delano Hunter said the upgraded arena reflects the city’s growing reputation as a sports destination.
“This ice arena is a great example of how Washington, D.C. continues to grow as the sports capital,” said a statement from Hunter.
The project honors the rink’s longstanding legacy while expanding access for skaters across the District.