Mount Vernon Rec Center Ice Arena closes until July 30

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Credit: Fairfax County Park Authority

Update: On July 29, it was announced that the ice rink would remain closed through Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Following the July 19 closure of the Mount Vernon Rec Center Ice Arena due to mechanical failures, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) said today the rink would remain closed through July 29, reopening on Saturday, July 30. The rest of the facility remains open, and all programs and classes outside of the rink continue to operate as scheduled.

The reason for the rink’s closure, said an FCPA spokesperson, was the breakdown of the dehumidification system, which was impacted by the high heat and humidity outside. A temporary replacement dehumidification system has been ordered for the rink and will remain in place until the rec center closes for a two-year renovation and expansion at the end of 2022.

Back in early May, FCPA officials told community members that the potential failure of key systems at the rec center, along with construction-related supply chain issues, prompted them to recommend a revised two-year renovation approach over other options. At that time, they noted that the ice rink’s dehumidification system was already failing and that renting a replacement for a full year would have cost around $200,000.

FCPA hasn’t yet determined the full financial impact of the current situation. Right now they are focused on the rink’s users.

“We recognize this has a significant impact on our ice skating and hockey community,” said FCPA Public Information Officer Judy Pedersen. “With that in mind, we are working diligently and quickly to resolve this situation.”

The Park Authority has been contacting affected groups, said Pedersen, including hockey clubs, figure skating class participants and instructors, to inform them about the arena's temporary closure

Rendering of the second ice rink at the renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center (Credit: FCPA)

Once the newly renovated Mount Vernon Rec Center opens in early 2025, it will feature a second ice rink built to National Hockey League Standards, as well as team rooms, an indoor track and an additional 35,000 square feet of space for a fitness center and multi-purpose areas.

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