Who We Are
It is the mission of this organization to develop and encourage interest in skating as an affordable family recreational activity. To create opportunities to learn how to skate, to pursue skating beyond the introductory level, and to provide a suitable environment for the training and competition of skaters and hockey players. Plus enhancing community economic development and tourism by hosting competitions, tournaments, shows, and events.
Our History
The Newark Municipal Ice Rink began in the early 1980s as an outdoor surface in Newark, built using surplus equipment from a facility in New York. Established and led by City of Newark Parks and Recreation Director, Terry Frame, the rink opened as an outdoor facility until it was enclosed in the mid-1990s.
In 2005, area businessmen and avid hockey parents Alan Hoffmann and Robert O’Neill led an effort to renovate and update the Arena. Along with guidance from respected ice industry veteran and area resident, Jack Vivian, they secured City support, identified funding, and initiated the arena renovation. In June 2005, City Council gave the green light to the Newark Ice Arena Renovation Project.
In just six months, nearly $1.7 million in cash and in-kind donations—along with a great deal of volunteer and professional labor—produced a first-class, multi-use facility worthy of our community’s pride.
In 2016, a major locker room addition created valuable new facilities for ice arena users. The facility has undergone a spectacular transformation and our promising future is ensured by an innovative public-private partnership, overseen by the non-profit Newark Sport and Event Commission.