Community members fighting to save roller rink in Marina
MARINA, Calif. (KION) A group of community members in Marina is trying to save what they view as a town staple: the Water City Roller Hockey and Skating Rink.
The building is off limits ever since the city declared it "uninhabitable" because of building code issues. Now, rumors are going around that the city wants to turn it into a gym and get rid of the roller sports.
Community members say this is the only roller rink on the Central Coast that can hold big time events like roller hockey and derby matches. The next closest one would be up in San Jose, and for many, that just is not the same as walking down the street from your house.
For the kids in the Water City Whalers Youth Hockey Team, there is nothing like putting on those skates and flying towards the goal with stick and puck in hand.
But moments like these could be coming to an end, say volunteer coaches and organizers.
"We have been kind of fighting for the last year to keep the roller sports here because there's been rumor that they want to get rid of the roller sports here at this facility and turn it basically into a gym," said David Hohmann, the former facility manager at the rink.
The Water City Roller Hockey and Skating Rink has been closed since March 2020 due to the pandemic. Soon after, the City of Marina red tagged the building and declared it no longer safe to occupy, then acquired ownership of it.
It used to run as a public skate rink while also hosting box lacrosse, indoor soccer and adult and youth hockey, among other sports.
"Oh, there's a lot of things, there's wiring, electricity, there's all kinds of things wrong with this building. I mean it's an older building, there's no doubt about it, it needs work. But it's a great facility," said Hohmann.
"As a coach, I will say at the end of every season, it gets a little emotional. I have kids who are hand writing me letters and cards. I don't do it for pay, I do it for the kids," said Ryan White, a youth hockey volunteer coach.
Organizers say the city is talking about putting millions into renovating the building, but also taking out the rink. Many neighborhood kids walk across the street to play hockey there. Residents also help donate sticks and equipment and raise money for those who cannot afford it.
It is something these volunteers are willing to fight for.
"I think it would be heartbreaking for a lot of kids, that's the long story short right there," said White. "To see them grow and get to where they are, and without any other access to hockey in the area, they're going to end up playing on the tennis courts and streets like that."
KION reached out to Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado, but did not hear back in time for broadcast. Community members are planning to host a rally at the rink this Saturday at noon.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE: Volunteer coaches and community members are fighting to save a roller rink in Marina that’s been shut down because of building code issues.
The Water City Roller Hockey and Skating Rink has been closed since March 2020 due to COVID, but the city chose to shut it down indefinitely because of code.
Community members say the city may turn the building into a gym and thereby leave out roller hockey and other leagues from being able to play.
KION’s Josh Kristianto will have more tonight at 10 and 11 p.m.
