Scotts Valley Sports Center Closing

[Hocki]

Sad days ahead for NorCal Inline hockey players, as the only inline hockey facility in Santa Cruz County closes. The city of SV has purchased the rink to build a new library.

Looks like the doors close in August. A great family place.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localstories/ci_12483388

Libraries all over are closing, reducing hours... scheduling cut backs... In fact, Scotts Valley is cutting back to being open 24 hours a week. It's a bitter pill for the families & kids that use the facility to swallow.

The city has stated that they will have the rink professionally dismanted, shrink wrapped and will store it. Unfortunately, you can not look to the city to open a new one.

Hopefully the hockey families in Santa Cruz can figure out how to get the city to approve a new facility to be opened.... of course, that would be at the expense of the private sector. It took the city 25 years to get public funds for a skate park...

[skooled]

4.5 million.... look at that and you will need to raise it to get a new rink....

is anyone from on here in that area??? I would love to hear opinions, even from a member of council on what they can suggest. I know a few townc in CO have managed to get unused parking lots converted (playing surface being asphalt) into rinks....

Its hard to swallow the loss of a rink. if we lose anymore here in Aus, there will be no inline hockey anymore. (there is ONE rink in all of sydney, our biggest city)

[Hocki]

4.5 Mil... because the rink is situated right in the middle of the city's new "Town Center" plan.

There was talk about doing an outdoor rink... moving the boards and glass to a cement slab with an covering and overhead lights. There are empty buildings in the surrounding areas... but the trick is to find one without supports...

We've been to some tourneys down in SoCal. The Ducks have helped to revitalize the hockey programs at Corona, Irvine and Anaheim. You walk in and there is Duck "Stuff" everywhere. Sure would be nice if our local NHL team stepped in to help out. There are folks here ready to finance and run a new rink... finding the place will be tough... but as you know these rinks are not money makers. You run a rink, because you love hockey, not because you expect to get rich.

Thank you for your input... I hope others will add to the thread. The more ideas the better.

[zipyaj]

... We've been to some tourneys down in SoCal. The Ducks have helped to revitalize the hockey programs at Corona, Irvine and Anaheim. You walk in and there is Duck "Stuff" everywhere. Sure would be nice if our local NHL team stepped in to help out. There are folks here ready to finance and run a new rink... finding the place will be tough... but as you know these rinks are not money makers. You run a rink, because you love hockey, not because you expect to get rich...

Sad news indeed to lose yet another rink. But maintaining on-going rink operations is also about money, even if only breaking even. Witness the Anaheim Ducks' rescue operations to help keep the sport alive in two communities as well as help promote the sport overall - regardless of the playing surface.

As for NHL teams getting into the act, sometimes they need a nudge to "get it." There are more examples of NHL clubs in action. For another SoCAL example, check out the article and linked blog as referenced in the 08-May-2008 IHC Thread, "NHL Roller Hockey In Bakersfield"
see - http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-32227.html

(idea)... Try starting first with your NHL club's Fan Development Department and then to leveraging relationships with current and former NHL players who can help support the program by presence which can lead to opportunities with club management and stakeholders. There are also the corporate sponsors (non-hockey biz).

In the case of the San Jose Sharks, Director of Fan Development/The Sharks Foundation is Mr. Rob Jaynes

Sharks Foundation
525 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 28-SHARK
Fax: (408) 999-5797

Refer to Sharks Foundation projects on their web site such as:
http://www.thesharksfoundation.com/programs/BlacktopResurfacingProject.asp

Good luck in all you do!

[old hockey mom]

Yes, this is a sad situation. I live in the area, but Rollin Ice (home of NARCh last year) is just a little bit farther of a drive. However, there are several kids on my son's travel team that grew up at the Scott's Valley rink.

Word has it that the people who worked at the rink (including one of my son's midget Team Eschelon player) had not a clue this was going to happen. Now he's out of a job and not able to go to NARCh with us. (HEY, ANY MIDGET GOLD PLAYERS LOOKING FOR A TEAM??)

But, look at the financials. $4.5 Million?? Sorry, but I was very surprised at that number, knowing the RE in this area. But, if you consider the financials of a one rink place, how can they pass it up?

However, we are blessed in the San Jose area to have Rollin Ice. And, there is Sharks money behind it, but just behind the scenes.

Lisa Fisher

[STEMM]

I don't know if it would help but you could start a petition to save the rink. Somebody had online one a little while back and was able to aquire a lot of signatures from IHC visitors that helped save a High School team. (I think)

[old hockey mom]

I wish this was the case, but it looks to be a done deal.

This is privately owned land that hasn't probably been paying back the investor much over the years. Now he has a big payoff.

How about our new President's stimulus package?

[Hocki]

This is definitely a done deal. My son was one of those kids that grew up at the rink. Back before it was remodeled. That's the hardest part of the whole situation, this group of kids, and their families have really formed a solid community.

Rollin' Ice is hockey heaven for these kids, but it is an hour drive from where we live. I drive the hill 6 days a week and will now have to drive it 7. Unfortunately, not all of the kids in the area have a Mom that is willing to drive them.

I know most of the Eschelon players and I'm sorry to hear that one isn't able to make NARCh. While the rink is still open... the team could do a car wash for him on a Saturday. The Titans were able to raise $500+ in one day doing that. Bob has always been very supportive. All you have to do is ask.

If I can be of any help at all, PM me.

[Hocki]

STMM - Thank you for the suggestion... if we need to do a petition, I will definitely let you guys/gals know.

[zipyaj]

I don't know if it would help but you could start a petition to save the rink. Somebody had online one a little while back and was able to aquire a lot of signatures from IHC visitors that helped save a High School team. (I think)

Stemm; While a good suggestion, it would appear too late. According to one article on the subject it was the owner who approached the City with the proposition to sell.

As for the referenced petition, see the IHC thread, "High School Roller Hockey Needs Your Help!" viewable at: http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33296. In this case, the use of the petition was hugely successful (and Thanks again to the inline and ice hockey communities for all their help!).

Online petitions can be produced and hosted for free (although a donation is requested) by visiting:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/

Regards,

[NC Mustangs]

This is definitely a done deal. My son was one of those kids that grew up at the rink. Back before it was remodeled. That's the hardest part of the whole situation, this group of kids, and their families have really formed a solid community.

Rollin' Ice is hockey heaven for these kids, but it is an hour drive from where we live. I drive the hill 6 days a week and will now have to drive it 7. Unfortunately, not all of the kids in the area have a Mom that is willing to drive them.

I know most of the Eschelon players and I'm sorry to hear that one isn't able to make NARCh. While the rink is still open... the team could do a car wash for him on a Saturday. The Titans were able to raise $500+ in one day doing that. Bob has always been very supportive. All you have to do is ask.

If I can be of any help at all, PM me.

This is a very sad situation as we were hoping to bring the AIHL to Scott's Valley with future expansion. Now it is obviously out of the question. I have had several players within my organization that have grown up working, teaching and playing there. I personally enjoyed playing many games at that rink when I was still playing. The Scott's Valley Adult Travel Team were our big rivals when I played for the San Jose Tremors in the mid 90's.

I hope all of the players that called Scott's Valley home will drive down to San Jose and stay in the game despite the inconvenience. There are a lot of talented players out of that area and I hope that they stay involved.

[reporter gal]

Ramona Turner at the Sentinel here. Received the following email in response to the story in today's paper:

Hi Everyone,
I went to the Meeting Last night at the Sports Center and noticed 2
separate
needs. The first was finding a location for the rink and the second was
finding a Non-Profit to Run it. We have been looking and measuring
Locations in SV since last week. That will be our Greatest Challenge.

As far as an Organization to Run it Our Board of Directors would like to
offer to run the Hockey Leagues and also add Soccer and Lacrosse.
Children's Outreach Inc. Founded and has been operating Soccer Leagues
and
Camps for the past 13 years and Lacrosse Leagues and Camps for the past
7
Years. We also ran Hockey Leagues at the Sports center when it first
opened
and when it was The Rink under the Pringles.

We would be willing to maintain all the Leagues and be the Tax
Deductible
Avenue for Financial Support of the Programs and Building. We have
experience with children ages 2-18 and adults in all 3 sports.
Children's
Outreach Inc. has been providing Scholarships to the Children of Santa
Cruz
County for the past 10 years. We are a Registered 501 (c-3)
Organization
with Sports Insurance.

Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Check out our websites below!!!

Thank You
Wes Koenig
President Children's Outreach Inc.
President Santa Cruz County Lacrosse
831-438-5200

[jawz&chum]

I certainly hope something can be done to bring about a new rink in the SC area. The SVSC was a beautiful facility, a real shame.

[Hocki]

This is a very sad situation as we were hoping to bring the AIHL to Scott's Valley with future expansion. Now it is obviously out of the question. I have had several players within my organization that have grown up working, teaching and playing there. I personally enjoyed playing many games at that rink when I was still playing. The Scott's Valley Adult Travel Team were our big rivals when I played for the San Jose Tremors in the mid 90's.

I hope all of the players that called Scott's Valley home will drive down to San Jose and stay in the game despite the inconvenience. There are a lot of talented players out of that area and I hope that they stay involved.

Mario,

Thank you for the note. There are a lot of talented kids at the Scotts Valley rink, and I imagine that you will see a lot of them in SJ. Once bitten by the hockey bug, you just have to play. Many of the kids play on the various travel clubs out of Rollin' Ice already. There is a lot of energy being put into building a new facility. Either indoor/outdoor... Cross your fingers that the committee find success.

There is a big opportunity here, as the former rink was never really advertised. It was the hidden "jewel" of Santa Cruz. That will have to change in the future if inline hockey in SC is going to stick. Jimmy P :) He was a great instructor for the kids.

As for your SV players... I know the boys. My son has pretty much grown up at the rink and plays with these guys. You never know, he may sneak into a Mustang's tryout one day. :)

[Hocki]

Oh... forgot to mention that the City of SV offered to have the rink dismantled professionally, have plans drawn up for reassembly and will shrink wrap/store the rink itself. All a part of the purchase agreement.

If anyone is interested, here is the Google Groups link:
http://groups.google.com/group/save-the-rink

[NC Mustangs]

Mario,

As for your SV players... I know the boys. My son has pretty much grown up at the rink and plays with these guys. You never know, he may sneak into a Mustang's tryout one day. :)

I would love to have another SC player involved in our program. It is good to hear that people are still pursuing opportunities in the SC area. Let me know if I can ever be of any assistance in seeing this vision through.

[zipyaj]

The city of Scotts Valley has calmed the concerns of soccer and hockey players countywide about the closure of the Scotts Valley Sports Complex. At least for the next six months.

READ:
Scotts Valley Sports Complex lease extended
By George Artsitas
San Jose Mercury News
Posted: 07/09/2009
source:
http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_12790969?nclick_check=1

:)

[RichardGraham]

Thanks, Jay!

That sounds great.