Dover pushes back plans to make new ice rink facility for the time being

DOVER, Del. – Dover is likely to push back its plans for a new ice rink. The Mayor, Robin Christiansen, said plans were ambitious ahead of the potential Fall ’25 date.

“Those were a little ambitious on our part, but we continue to press forward to put this into fruition and have the kids get something sooner rather than later.”

With the closing of the Harrington Ice Rink in May, officials in Dover are trying to add an alternative. Many youth hockey teams, figure skating clubs, and adult skaters have been left behind because of the closing.

President of Bay Country Figure Skating Club, Tom Harrison, said it’s been tough for club members to keep in high spirits. “I had a student come up to me and start crying, knowing that we are only a month and a half away, and then we’re done.”

Mayor Christiansen understands the ongoing problem and has been an advocate in bringing the new facility to town. “We are currently along our legislative delegation, over at legislative hall, to get funding to build a building with 2 sheets of ice.”

He told WMDT that there is a niche of people who would get involved. “There are a lot of closet hockey players, adult and children figure skaters, people that just want some ice time to ice skate.”

Harrison will continue to fight to bring an ice rink into the area. Currently, the closest alternatives near Southern Delaware are in Newark, and another in Easton, MD. He asserts his team and others would help with funding if needed.

“I think that’s always on the table, that’s an option, we want to know the governor, or the mayor, or the politicians said, “Look, maybe we can push this a little sooner if we have the funds.”