Jacksonville Ice Rink among first in North America to reopen, owner says

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex on Philips Highway continued steps to reopen Tuesday with private ice skating lessons and adult hockey leagues.

They’re hoping to be open for the public for skating by Memorial Day.

Scott Greenwald and his league team had their first game back Tuesday night since the pandemic.

“Looking forward to it,” Greenwald said. “I’ve been doing a lot of exercising at home, trying to stay in shape, but I’m afraid I’m going to be pretty sore tomorrow.”

Owner Mark Scheff said his rink is among the first in North America to do this.

“Rinks from all across the country and Canada have been calling to see what they’re doing to put those protocols in place so that they can open safely,” Scheff said.

Action News Jax asked about the safety challenges with a sport like hockey.

“You’re talking about a 20,000 square foot surface for approximately 14 to 16 people at a time,” Scheff said. “And so, we feel that’s a safe distance.”

But for the players, the thought of COVID-19 is always there.

“Hopefully I’m not thinking about it while I’m out on the ice,” Greenwald said. “I’m thinking about not falling and hurting myself, and what to do with the puck, but nowadays it’s always on your mind everywhere you go now.”

Here are the safety steps being taken:

• Implementation of a Temperature Measurement System using thermal cameras
• Face Covering requirement for all employees including coaches and referees
• 45 minutes between all programming to limit the number of people in the facility
• 2 locker rooms per team to allow for social distancing
• Limitations on non-participant admission
• Sanitation of all common areas before, during and after each usage

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