The rink features fiberglass dash board surrounding the floor and a smooth-as-ice concrete skating surface. And it even has its own official Fan Page on Facebook.
February 02, 2002 | Taken from LA Times article by KEVIN RODERICK
How one parent saw the need and helped make it happen!
He learned that a decent concrete rink with boards and fences would cost about $270,000. With help from the city, the board at Mar Vista applied for a grant under Proposition K, a bond measure that city voters approved in 1996 for improvements like this. They got $247,000, enough to make the project possible.
First, though, city parks officials had to be convinced that hockey was deserving. The sport was being played in organized fashion at only a few parks in the city. "They weren't too hot on the idea at first," Ponton recalled. But the park advisory board collected 200 letters of support from local parents, schools and other organizations.
Eventually, the parks department assigned grant writers to help Mar Vista secure the main chunk of needed money. The parents also got help from Lisa Gritzner, the chief deputy to City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski. "I've learned that if you have trouble at the bottom, you go to the top. She's been the project's guardian angel," Ponton said.
Fund-raising festivals and sponsors brought in the cash needed for the scoreboard, bleachers and lights. Archstone Communities, a development firm with plans to build apartments near the park, gave $14,000.
An additional $5,000 came from Operation Cleansweep, a city program that helps fund beautification. Local businesses also chipped in.
Construction began in June, and the completed 175-by-75-foot rink opened to skaters in November. Now, 182 boys and girls play on 16 teams organized by age and ability. Players range in age from 6 to 17. Each pays $70 and receives a jersey and trophies at a season-ending banquet.
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