CHRISTMAS CAME A LITTLE EARLY TO RIVERVIEW ICE HOUSE THIS YEAR!

December 22, 2020 - The Save Riverview Ice House Coalition is pleased to announce that Riverview Ice House has, indeed, been saved.

The Rockford Park District last night announced the facility will be fully renovated and remain open at its longtime location at 324 N Madison Street in downtown Rockford. Replacement of the rink's aging mechanical systems (circa 1976) is expected to proceed this summer with comprehensive building renovation to follow shortly thereafter.

Several things contributed to the successful outcome: critical state funding arranged by Senator Steve Stadelman, the generosity of the Peter & Heather Provenzano Charitable Trust, an additional contribution by Lloyd and Diane Koch, the open-mindedness and involvement of Rockford Park District's leadership and Board of Commissioners and the passionate, engaged advocacy of the Save Riverview Ice House coalition and it's enthusiastic supporters.

"We are so happy to be able to announce this outcome - especially right before Christmas," said Peter Provenzano, Save RIH coalition member. "As a hockey dad, a hockey player myself and an investor in and advocate for downtown Rockford, I just want to say 'thank you' to everybody who pitched in to make this happen. And, believe me; 'everybody' is a lot of people."

"This is such a classic Rockford success story," said Jay Graham, also a member of the Save RIH Coalition. "Remember; the effort to Save Riverview Ice House just began this fall - in October. I'm so proud of the way our Save RIH team, the skating community, downtown leaders, elected officials and the Park District rallied around our treasured downtown home for ice sports and did what was necessary to ensure it will continue to be Rockford's home for hockey, figure skating and recreational skating for decades to come."

Save Riverview Ice House coalition member Larry Morrissey had this to add ...

"I also want to thank the Rockford Park District, my Save Riverview Ice House colleagues, the City of Rockford and especially the members of the public who answered our call to stand up and let their passion for Riverview and downtown Rockford be known," he said. "The comments our supporters made on our Change.org petition and the stories they told on our website were inspiring and touching. Our collaborative work with the Park District was collegial and productive. We quickly realized everyone at the table wanted what we wanted - to Save Riverview for future generations and for the good of downtown and our whole community. I can't wait to attend the grand opening and go for a skate with my family."

Please also see the official media release below by the Rockford Park District.