A new, state-of-the-art ice rink being proposed for the former site of Malibu Grand Prix in Redwood City is being called a ‘game changer” for the local ice–skating community by the Mid-Peninsula Ice Rink Foundation (MIRF). The proposal comes in the wake of the permanent closure of Nazareth Ice Oasis in Redwood City last year.
“It wasn’t that long ago that there were three ice rinks serving the mid-peninsula, now we are down to one,” said Tim Hennessey, board member of MIRF.
The privately-funded “Malibu Ice Center” project is a partnership between MIRF and Jay Paul Company’s Harbor View office and/or life sciences project along U.S. 101 in Redwood City. Jay Paul Company is donating two acres of land where the ice center would be constructed, along with design and construction management assistance. MIRF will operate and maintain the facility under a long-term nominal value lease agreement.
Jay Paul Company “has also committed to establishing an endowment and a local advisory committee to ensure that the rink best serves Redwood City and is open, accessible and inclusive to all,” according to MIRF.
Silicon Valley Ice Skating Association (SVISA) will lead community engagement efforts and Chair the advisory committee. Other advisory group members include former Redwood City Mayor Ian Bain, former Redwood City Planning Commissioner and Casa Circulo Board Member Connie Guerrero, Magical Bridge Foundation founder Olenka Villarreal and Maia Harris of Jay Paul Company.
“Silicon Valley has a proud tradition producing Olympic medal winning skaters. This was made possible by access to rinks that have since closed and/or are threatened by closure,” said Sarah Feldman, CEO of SVISA. “SVISA is committed to building on our Olympic legacy by ensuring that the same access and opportunity exists for the next generation. The Malibu Ice Center and the Diversity Equity and Inclusion endowment will help to achieve that. We look forward to working with the Redwood City community to ensure that kids of all ages, abilities and economic circumstance have access to the ice to deepen our bench of skaters who want to enjoy ice sports.”
Jay Paul Company’s contribution toward the ice rink project totals about $19 million of the $55 in community benefits currently proposed as part of the Harbor View project, which would be the city’s largest ever development agreement. The 27-acre project calls for 800,000 square feet of office space (reduced from its initial proposal of 1.2 million).
Disclaimer: Adam Alberti, the publisher of Climate Magazine, is Managing Director at Singer Associates, Inc. The Jay Paul Company is represented by Singer Associates.
