ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria Public Schools is building an outdoor skating rink at Discovery Middle School to support the physical education program and outdoor learning experiences for students and community education programs.
The project was reviewed by the Alexandria School Board’s Budget and Facilities Committee. The outdoor rink will support the on-site implementation of physical education standards and create cost and time savings, eliminating the need to transport students off campus.
“We couldn’t be more excited for DMS to welcome the new outdoor rink. This space will give us the opportunity to not only expand our physical education program, but also meet our classroom goals and state standards, which will ultimately benefit our students for years to come,” said Molly Arola, physical education teacher. “This is another great partnership between the school district and community businesses to expand our winter activity offerings not only for middle school students, but also for our community of Alexandria.”
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The 185-foot by 85-foot rink will be a permanent structure and will be installed on Softball Field 2. Portable 210-foot fencing will be added to Fields 1 and 2, creating two appropriately sized youth softball/baseball fields to serve the school. and community use. The rink will be located outside the outfield fence on field 2. In addition, there is already lighting at the location, which will create profitability.
The school district is working out the details with community partners, the City of Alexandria and ALP Utilities, on water access for the rink. He also partners with Alexandria residents Matt Stennes of Stennes Excavation for donating the time and resources to prepare the ground for the rink, as well as purchasing the rink from Jeff Horstman of Arena Warehouse.
Community Education is excited about increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for students and adults through community/family engagement opportunities.