Ball Unveils $3.5M Plan For Howard County's First Ice Rinks | The Locally Times
The $3.5 million investment aims to keep local athletes off the road and create a year-round hub for ice sports at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is set to propose a landmark $3.5 million investment in his FY27 Capital Budget, aiming to construct the county's first-ever owned ice rinks at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex in Ellicott City. The move, announced by Howard County Recreation and Parks today, March 27, 2026, promises to transform local recreation by eliminating the need for athletes to travel to neighboring counties for ice sports. This initiative directly addresses the burden of long drives, late nights, and added costs that currently limit participation for many families, opening up new opportunities for residents. ## Facility Design and Amenities The proposed addition to the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex will feature two full-sized ice rinks, designed to accommodate various ice sports and public skating activities. Howard County Recreation and Parks outlined the facility's plans today, March 27, 2026, which include essential amenities such as restrooms and dedicated spectator seating at each rink. Further features encompass food and beverage options, locker rooms for participants and officials, and ample off-ice training space. The new rinks will share an entranceway with the existing Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, seamlessly integrating into the broader recreational infrastructure and creating a functional, accessible environment for all ice sports enthusiasts. ## Sustainable Construction and Community Benefits The facility's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its design, slated for LEED Silver Standards. Howard County Recreation and Parks confirmed today, March 27, 2026, that the construction mandates 100% electricity use, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels for operation. Plans also detail robust stormwater management systems and a solar-ready roof with integrated shading elements. He stated it aims to expand resident access, support local businesses, and deliver long-term community benefits. The facility will offer diverse, year-round programming, including public skating, lessons, summer camps, youth and adult leagues, figure skating clubs, youth hockey groups, and special events, fostering broader community engagement and providing a place for young people to grow and belong. Currently, over 50 school-based teams in the Maryland Student Hockey League, along with numerous youth and adult leagues, figure skating clubs, and recreational skaters, must travel outside the county for ice time due to the scarcity of local facilities. Bud Buonato, Director and Past President of the Howard Huskies, called the new facility "transformative" for local organizations like the Columbia Figure Skating Club and the Howard County Youth Hockey Program. He noted that consistent ice availability will foster better development and more practice opportunities, creating a true home for these programs and building a lasting culture of pride and success. This local access is anticipated to give families more time together and less time on the road, directly addressing a long-standing challenge for many residents. ## Key Questions **How much is the county proposing to spend?** Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will propose $3.5 million in his FY27 Capital Budget for the project. **What will the new facility include?** The facility will feature two full-sized ice rinks, restrooms, spectator seating, food and beverage options, locker rooms, off-ice training space, and a shared entranceway. **What are the environmental features of the new rinks?** The facility will be built to LEED Silver Standards, using 100% electricity to eliminate fossil fuel use, and will include storm water management and a solar-ready roof.