A Win for Local Youth Sports: Ice Rinks Saved from Closure
Last Thursday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum made a special appearance at the Aviator Sports & Events Center in Brooklyn, celebrating the revival of ice rinks that were almost shut down for good. This facility faced a grim future until dedicated hockey parents stepped in and appealed to the White House for help.
As Burgum rode the Zamboni across the freshly maintained ice, an air of excitement filled the complex, contrasting sharply with the uncertainty it faced just months ago. “Being here and seeing the youth hockey players, their gratitude for keeping this place open is what makes this event so special,” Burgum commented, highlighting the importance of community engagement in preserving local sports facilities.
Aviator Sports announced earlier this year that, due to a lease expiration with the National Parks Service, they would need to close their doors indefinitely. News of the impending closure galvanized local hockey and skating parents into action. They rallied and created a binder filled with heartfelt photos of their kids playing hockey. The youth even wrote down their dreams and aspirations, which were collectively sent to the White House and the National Park Service.
One devoted mother, Yana Salerno, shared, “We had parents who drove all the way to DC to personally deliver our packages to the headquarters of the National Parks Service. We were determined to save this place for our kids.” This grassroots initiative proved effective.
Thanks to their efforts, the Aviator Hockey and Figure Skating Club announced last month that it would reopen, with support from both the park agency and an investment firm. “I can’t tell you how happy we are,” Salerno expressed, her joy echoed by others in the community. “During the week we were closed, our coaches had to scatter to different rinks, which was a hassle. It was awful for everyone involved.”
Michaela, a young figure skater and Salerno’s daughter, revealed her emotional response to the news: “I was crying when I heard. It was tears of joy.” Her reaction underscores the profound connection the community has to this facility.
The Aviator Sports & Events Center, spanning 175,000 square feet, has faced numerous challenges over the past years, notably due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary shelter introduced during the city’s migrant crisis. However, with the closure of the migrant tent city last January, the Department of Interior recently affirmed that the property could no longer serve as a temporary shelter, allowing the sports complex to focus on its primary mission.
While the ice rinks are back in operation and outdoor fields are set to open, the gymnastics studios within the facility are still awaiting clearance for reopening. Chris Werstine, the facility director, expressed relief and gratitude: “We’re so thankful for the chance to operate again. This means we can continue our programs and serve the community.”
This story of resilience highlights the power of community involvement. Local parents refusing to let their kids lose a cherished space is a testament to what can happen when people come together for a common cause. Their efforts remind us of the importance of local sports in fostering youth development and building strong community ties.
As youth hockey and figure skating resumes at Aviator, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the fight to preserve our cherished community spaces is worth every effort. The actions of these parents now serve as an example for others who may be struggling to keep local resources alive. In times of uncertainty, grassroots efforts and a little determination can go a long way in securing a brighter future for our kids.
