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Two nonprofit skating clubs taking over Oxnard Ice Skating Center
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More from Other NewsTwo nonprofit skating clubs have finalized an agreement to buy out the operator of the Oxnard Ice Skating Center, saving the facility from closing.
The transition from Oxnard Ice Center Ltd. to a joint operation by the Channel Islands Figure Skating Club and Channel Islands Riptide Hockey Club will be seamless, Jim Meaney, president of the hockey organization, said today.
The groups still have to finalize an insurance policy to satisfy a requirement for the property owner, Meaney said.
"I feel great," Meaney said. "It's been a tough 30 days."
About a month ago, Oxnard Ice Center President Mike Paikin said the rink was going to close because of financial problems. Paikin of Sherman Oaks suggested then that the clubs could buy the business.
Both groups marshaled forces and surpassed their fundraising goal of $120,000 as of last weekend, Meaney said. Donations came from around the country, including a substantial contribution from the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks.
The groups are now focused on marketing the rink in the Wagon Wheel industrial area, south of Highway 101.
However, they still must find a location for a new rink as the property owner plans to redevelop the site with housing and retail outlets. Property owner Oxnard Village Investments Inc. has guaranteed the clubs can rent the facility for two years following approval of any project.
Posted by lesto on August 24, 2007 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Jim and Gang.. You all deserve a lot of credit in keeping Ice Hockey and Figure Skating alive in the Ventura/Oxnard area. Although my son AJ now plays for a different program,this is where he started and it's so nice to hear that your group led by you has stepped up to make it happen and keep the rink alive. Kudo's!!! Best Regards, Les Dorfman.
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