Two $3.5M Ice Rinks Proposed In Howard County

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Two $3.5 million ice rinks may be built at the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex in Ellicott City and would be under the ownership of the county.

On Thursday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced he will be proposing the funding in his fiscal year 2027 capital budget for the first ever county-owned ice rinks.

“Right now, too many families in Howard County are forced to travel to other jurisdictions just to find ice. For some families, those long drives, those late nights, those early mornings and those added costs mean not being able to participate at all,” Ball said at the news conference.

“This is not just another sheet of ice for skaters, but it creates opportunities. It gives our young people a place to grow, to compete and to belong. It gives families more time together and less time on the road. It’s about building something that strengthens our entire community ... we’re creating a place where dreams can take shape and where the future of Howard County can truly take flight on ice," he continued.

The proposed addition to the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex includes two full-sized ice rinks, restrooms, seating for spectators at each rink, food and beverage options, locker rooms for participants and officials, off-ice training space and a shared entranceway with the existing facility. The facility will be constructed to LEED Silver Standards, which includes 100% use of electricity that eliminates fossil fuel use, storm water management, a solar-ready roof and shading, officials said at a news conference.

"The ice rink facility project is an investment that creates value in a lot of ways," said Howard County Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. "It expands access for our residents, supports local businesses and over time gives back to the community far beyond the initial investment."

There are more than 50 school-based teams participating in the Maryland Student Hockey League. There also are informal games, other youth programs, pickup matches, adult programs, figure skating and recreational skating, officials shared at the news conference. With only one ice rink currently in the county, many of these athletes travel to neighboring counties for practices and competitions, Ball explained.

“By adding two rinks here in Howard County, we’re able to reduce those barriers to entry, and provide more opportunities for kids to play,” said Bud Buonato, Howard Huskies director and past president. “For programs like Columbia Figure Skating Club and the Howard County Youth Hockey Program, this new facility will be transformative in what we’re able to do. Consistent availability means better development and more practice opportunities. It creates a true home and creates the kind of foundation every strong program needs to build a lasting culture of pride and success.”

Two new ice rinks within the county’s borders would provide more residents and athletes year-round programming close to home — including public skating, lessons, summer camps, youth and adult leagues, figure skating clubs, youth hockey groups and special events, leaders said at the news conference.

“This new facility will allow us to expand access to all kinds of skating, promote youth development and create a space where families can gather and be active together,” added Jacques Gilson, Columbia Figure Skating Club coach. “This new facility will allow us to grow our programs locally, host events and keep those opportunities and economic benefits right here in Howard County.”

Nathan Birch, executive director of The Next Ice Age, echoed that ice time would be great for his athletes.

“The Next Ice Age, a nonprofit dance company on ice founded in 1988, seeks more available ice time to create an annual performance season,” he said.

Competitive-sized ice rinks and indoor athletic space also provide Howard County with more ways to attract multi-day tournaments and events. Regional and national competitions draw visitors who stay, dine and shop locally, officials said.

The addition of one multisport complex to the county has the potential of creating 139 sustainable jobs annually, $16.2 million in annual economic output, $15.2 million in annual labor income and $276,000 in Howard County room taxes each year, leaders said at the news conference.

“This project brings people together, creating a place where residents and visitors connect, young people grow through athletics, and families can spend meaningful time close to home,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “We build a vibrant economy by creating places that generate energy, strengthen community and naturally attract investment, while continuing to support and grow our businesses.”

Situated between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, an ice rink in Howard County could capture a potential audience of more than 19.5 million people within a 2.5 hour drive. Within five hours, that number grows to more than 37 million people, Ball said.

"From a tourism standpoint, this project represents far more than a recreational amenity," added Amanda Hof, executive director for Visit Howard County. "An indoor ice facility will create meaningful economic value for Howard County by attracting tournaments, team travel, skaters and visiting families from outside our community. Those visitors will not just come to use the rink—they stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, shop in our local businesses and help generate revenue across the county."