ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced he will be proposing $3.5 million in his FY27 Capital Budget for the first-ever County-owned ice rinks at Meadowbrook Athletic Complex in Ellicott City. Photos from the event can be found on Howard County Government’s Flickr website. Video from the event can be found on Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s Facebook livestream video.
Right now, too many families in Howard County are forced to travel to other jurisdictions just to find ice. For some families, those long drives, those late nights, those early mornings, and those added costs mean not being able to participate at all. This is not just another sheet of ice for skaters, but it creates opportunities. It gives our young people a place to grow, to compete, and to belong. It gives families more time together, and less time on the road. It’s about building something that strengthens our entire community. Today, we’re creating a place where dreams can take shape and where the future of Howard County can truly take flight on ice.
The proposed addition to the Meadowbrook Athletic Complex includes two full sized ice rinks, restrooms, seating for spectators at each rink, food and beverage options, locker rooms for participants and officials, off-ice training space, and a shared entranceway with the existing facility. The facility will be constructed to LEED Silver Standards, which includes 100% use of electricity that eliminates fossil fuel use, storm water management, a solar-ready roof and shading.
"The Ice Rink Facility project is an investment that creates value in a lot of ways," said Howard County Recreation and Parks Director Nick Mooneyhan. "It expands access for our residents, supports local businesses, and over time gives back to the community far beyond the initial investment".
There are over 50 school-based teams participating in the Maryland Student Hockey League. Additionally, there are informal games, other youth programs, pickup matches, adult programs, figure skating, and recreational skating. With only one ice rink currently in the county, many of these athletes travel to neighboring counties for practices and competitions.
“By adding two rinks here in Howard County, we’re able to reduce those barriers to entry, and provide more opportunities for kids to play,” said Bud Buonato, Howard Huskies Director and Past President. “For programs like Columbia Figure Skating Club and the Howard County Youth Hockey Program, this new facility will be transformative in what we’re able to do. Consistent availability means better development and more practice opportunities. It creates a true home and creates the kind of foundation every strong program needs to build a lasting culture of pride and success.”
Two new ice rinks within the county’s borders would provide more residents and athletes year-round programming close to home — including public skating, lessons, summer camps, youth and adult leagues, figure skating clubs, youth hockey groups, and special events.
“This new facility will allow us to expand access to all kinds of skating, promote youth development, and create a space where families can gather and be active together,” said Jacques Gilson, Columbia Figure Skating Club Coach. “This new facility will allow us to grow our programs locally, host events, and keep those opportunities and economic benefits right here in Howard County.”
“The Next Ice Age, a nonprofit dance company on ice founded in 1988, seeks more available ice time to create an annual performance season,” said Nathan Birch, Executive Director of The Next Ice Age.
Competitive-sized ice rinks and indoor athletic space also provide Howard County with more ways to attract multi-day tournaments and events. Regional and national competitions bring visitors who stay, dine, and shop locally. The addition of one multisport complex to the county has the potential of creating 139 sustainable jobs annually, $16.2 million in annual economic output, $15.2 million in annual labor income, and $276,000 in Howard County room taxes each year.
“This project brings people together, creating a place where residents and visitors connect, young people grow through athletics, and families can spend meaningful time close to home,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “We build a vibrant economy by creating places that generate energy, strengthen community, and naturally attract investment, while continuing to support and grow our businesses.”
Howard County is uniquely positioned to support large athletic complexes. Situated between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, an ice rink in Howard County could capture a potential audience of more than 19.5 million people within a two-and-a-half hour drive. Within five hours, that number grows to more than 37 million people.
"From a tourism standpoint, this project represents far more than a recreational amenity", added Amanda Hof, Executive Director for Visit Howard County. "An indoor ice facility will create meaningful economic value for Howard County by attracting tournaments, team travel, skaters, and visiting families from outside our community. Those visitors will not just come to use the rink—they stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants, shop in our local businesses, and help generate revenue across the county".
Background
In October of 2022, the county held a meeting in western Howard County to gauge community interest and hear concerns. Additionally, the county conducted multiple economic and feasibility studies, developed concept plans, reviewed traffic studies, and completed economic impact analyses. More recently, Recreation and Parks held a focus group and a public meeting in 2026 to continue gathering feedback.