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Skating Rink is 'Cool' Demand for Park Disatrict Facility Tops Projections

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 March 2005, 21:00 CST

Residents, area hockey teams and other ice-skating enthusiasts have evidently packed the new ice arena in Hoffman Estates for its first quarter.

And Hoffman Estates Park District officials are hoping the public buzz keeps fizzing as their $14 million project seems to be heading toward a successful first year.

"It has been such a whirlwind," said park director Dean Bostrom regarding the building and filling of the arena, which includes full- size locker rooms, a gym, pro-shop and concession area.

"We were told there was a demand out there. But we have really just exceeded the expectations."

For example, Bostrom says since opening in November most of the play time has been booked solid with multi-state hockey tournaments, suburban league games and local high school and elementary school hockey games through the end of March.

More than 400 residents have shown up for the district's learn- to-skate class. Plus, during the public skate times - which are about an hour a day - sometimes more than 100 residents come out, especially on the weekends or holidays, Bostrom says.

Still, park district officials are not done.

Bostrom says plans are in the works to introduce more skating lessons and games to pack the two professional-size rinks. And this summer or fall, the district will remodel the original community center attached to the rink off Golf Road to include more multi- purpose rooms for residents.

Part of the arena's success is directly tied to the facility doubling as headquarters for the Wolves, an American Hockey League team entering its 11th season at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

"We were told it takes a while to get established," Bostrom said. "But because of the Wolves, we never lacked the recognition."

The Wolves have agreed to put up about $5 million during the next 15 years for several offices, luxury locker rooms, a sauna, steam room and private training area. The Wolves also get rink time at least from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every day.

Wolves General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said the deal has worked well for team morale.

Previously, the team would have to get into gear at Allstate Arena, then travel to a rink in Bensenville to practice, and travel back to shower. They also had to train at the Willow Creek Fitness Center.

In Hoffman Estates, that is all now in one place.

"All the things are here to help build camaraderie and build up the team aspect," Cheveldayoff said. "It is very, very nice."

The district's deal with the Wolves stipulates that if it leaves, the team must sublease the space for the same amount.

An added benefit, Bostrom noted, is having the Wolves around to spice up special events at the community center. For example, one of the biggest draws at last month's official opening night was skate time and autographs with the players.

"We don't know what to do with all the people," Bostrom said, reflecting on an occasional problem at the arena he is glad to have.

Source: Daily Herald; Arlington Heights, Ill.

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