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Building a Stronger Ice Community
Building a Stronger Ice Community
Since 1992, the Friends of Recreational Ice Activities (FRIA) has invested time, funding, and energy into keeping Huntsville’s ice facilities running smoothly and growing with the needs of our community. From behind-the-scenes equipment upgrades to public events that bring families together, every FRIA project supports the long-term success of the Ice Sports Center and local ice sports programs.
Since 1992, the Friends of Recreational Ice Activities (FRIA) has invested time, funding, and energy into keeping Huntsville’s ice facilities running smoothly and growing with the needs of our community. From behind-the-scenes equipment upgrades to public events that bring families together, every FRIA project supports the long-term success of the Ice Sports Center and local ice sports programs.
Upgrading Critical Facility Equipment
Upgrading Critical Facility Equipment
In 2024, FRIA partnered with the City of Huntsville to help fund and coordinate the replacement of a failed ice-plant compressor — a major infrastructure component that keeps the rink frozen and operational year-round.
In 2024, FRIA partnered with the City of Huntsville to help fund and coordinate the replacement of a failed ice-plant compressor — a major infrastructure component that keeps the rink frozen and operational year-round.
This emergency upgrade not only restored full ice operations but also improved overall system efficiency, reducing energy costs and ensuring more consistent ice quality for skaters and curlers alike.
This emergency upgrade not only restored full ice operations but also improved overall system efficiency, reducing energy costs and ensuring more consistent ice quality for skaters and curlers alike.
Supporting “The Nutcracker on Ice”
Supporting “The Nutcracker on Ice”
Each December, FRIA provides logistical and financial support for The Nutcracker on Ice, a beloved local tradition that transforms the rink into a winter stage.
Each December, FRIA provides logistical and financial support for The Nutcracker on Ice, a beloved local tradition that transforms the rink into a winter stage.
Our volunteers help with set construction, costume materials, and rehearsal coordination, allowing skaters of all ages to experience the magic of live performance while bringing the community together for the holidays
Our volunteers help with set construction, costume materials, and rehearsal coordination, allowing skaters of all ages to experience the magic of live performance while bringing the community together for the holidays
Community & Youth Programs
Community & Youth Programs
FRIA proudly sponsors Learn-to-Skate scholarships, helping introduce new families to the joy of skating regardless of income.
FRIA proudly sponsors Learn-to-Skate scholarships, helping introduce new families to the joy of skating regardless of income.
We also assist with youth hockey and adaptive skating programs, ensuring that Huntsville’s rink remains inclusive and welcoming to everyone who wants to step onto the ice.
We also assist with youth hockey and adaptive skating programs, ensuring that Huntsville’s rink remains inclusive and welcoming to everyone who wants to step onto the ice.
Facility Enhancements
Facility Enhancements
Past FRIA projects have included:
Past FRIA projects have included:
New benches and spectator seating for the main rink
New benches and spectator seating for the main rink
Energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades
Energy-efficient LED lighting upgrades
Refurbished locker rooms and improved accessibility ramps
Refurbished locker rooms and improved accessibility ramps
Updated scoreboard and public-address system
Updated scoreboard and public-address system
Each of these improvements was made possible through donations, partnerships, and community support — proof that small contributions can create a lasting impact.
Each of these improvements was made possible through donations, partnerships, and community support — proof that small contributions can create a lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
FRIA continues to plan for future growth, including long-term projects like the dedicated curling and multipurpose ice expansion, enhanced locker facilities, and new spectator amenities.
FRIA continues to plan for future growth, including long-term projects like the dedicated curling and multipurpose ice expansion, enhanced locker facilities, and new spectator amenities.
Every contribution helps make these goals a reality and strengthens Huntsville’s reputation as a premier destination for recreational and competitive ice sports in the Southeast.
Every contribution helps make these goals a reality and strengthens Huntsville’s reputation as a premier destination for recreational and competitive ice sports in the Southeast.
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