Prince William Board Discusses New Hockey Rink for Dale City Boys and Girls Club

Prince William County could soon be home to a new inline hockey rink at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club in Dale City, following an in-depth discussion by the Board of County Supervisors during their December 17, 2024, meeting. The facility results from a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club, Prince William Ice Center, the Washington Capitals, and George Mason University.

Seth Hendler-Voss, the county’s Director of Parks and Recreation, introduced the project, describing it as “an exciting partnership opportunity to bring a new recreation amenity to Prince William County.” He outlined the proposed location and the collaboration required to make the rink a reality.

“The proposed terms of the project are as follows, and these are just in draft form,” Hendler-Voss explained. “The rink, when constructed, will be made available for the Hylton Boys and Girls Club participants, Ice Center patrons, and the general public.”

Hendler-Voss highlighted that the Ice Center, located next to the Boys and Girls Club on Dale Boulevard in Dale City, would operate and maintain the rink, ensuring no operating impact on the county, except for an estimated $10,000 increase in insurance premiums. He also noted that under the current lease, the Boys and Girls Club would need to amend its agreement with the county to allow construction on the property.

“We’re recommending that you allow us to set a public hearing for this lease amendment, which we will bring back to you after the new year,” Hendler-Voss said. “If approved, we hope to break ground in the spring or summer and cut the ribbon in the fall.”

Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry Gainesville District Supervisor Bob Wier raised concerns about the clarity of the agreement, particularly regarding public access and operational responsibilities.

“I think before the public hearing, we need to clean up a couple of things,” Weir said. “In the resolution, it says the Ice Center will operate and maintain the rink and assume liability, but in the lease agreement, it says the landlord or tenant agrees that the landlord — us — and/or the Prince William Ice Center and their employees and contractors shall maintain, operate, program, and manage the rink. I’d like those two things to jive.”

He also pointed out ambiguities about guarantees of public access, citing conflicting language in the agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s any guarantee of public access at least by that language,” Weir noted. “If we could just get this all cleaned up before the public hearing, that would be really nice.”

Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey echoed Weir’s concerns and asked for more details about programming opportunities for the Boys and Girls Club.

“We are going to, of course, allow the Boys and Girls Club leagues to have dedicated access to that rink and for their programs,” Hendler-Voss responded. “The Ice Center has offered to help conduct those programs, teaching participants how to play hockey and skate.”

Chair At-large DeShundra Jefferson also raised a concern about facility security, particularly regarding the locking of the rink.

“It says [locking the facility] shall be permitted,” Jefferson said. “I wonder if there’s any objection to [requiring] it to be locked during non-operating hours since the county will have liabilities there.”

Hendler-Voss assured the board that the matter would be addressed.

Supervisor Angry strongly supported the project, highlighting its potential to revitalize an underutilized field and rekindle a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and the Ice Center. “This came to my desk about eight months ago,” Angry said. “I’m excited about this because we continue talking about creating opportunities for our youth, which we clearly have created here.”

He praised the Washington Capitals for their involvement and emphasized the importance of the initiative.

“Now we have this opportunity to create [the partnership] again,” Angry said. “I think [it] is invaluable, is impressive, and speaking for the board, I’m honored that Prince William County gets to be a part of this.”

The Board unanimously voted to authorize a public hearing on the lease amendment, which will take place in early 2025. If approved, construction could begin by spring, with the rink opening in the fall of 2025.

“This is just the beginning,” Angry said. “We’re putting this before the public and bringing it back to this board to hopefully get it done.”