Pace, Florida, is about to gain a dedicated ice facility that has been missing from the local sports landscape for years. The project, spearheaded by Jennifer Burkhart and Dr. Farhat Mehmood, aims to give hockey players, figure skaters and curling enthusiasts a place to train year‑round, something the community has long needed.
A Community‑Driven Ice Facility
The new rink will occupy 2.5 acres at 4555 Woodbine Road and measure 200 feet by 85 feet, meeting NHL dimensions. It will feature restrooms, locker rooms, children’s party rooms, concession areas and 146 parking spaces, creating a versatile venue for everything from youth tournaments to birthday celebrations.
Construction is slated to begin after land clearing and permit issuance, with an anticipated opening in March or April 2025. The development had been postponed because of gopher tortoise research, but the project received final approval on August 26, 2024, clearing the way for the 24/7 ice access that the region has been missing.
Local teams, including the Pensacola Junior Ice Flyers, youth leagues at the 8‑, 14‑ and 16‑under levels, the Pensacola Warriors for veterans, and the Greater Pensacola Figure Skating Club, will benefit from consistent practice time. The rink will also host community events such as festivals, birthday parties and other gatherings, reinforcing its role as a hub for both sport and social activity.
By providing a reliable ice surface, the facility is expected to raise competitive performance across the board, eliminating the scheduling bottlenecks that currently force teams to rely on temporary venues like the Pensacola Bay Center. In the long term, the rink will serve as a sustainable solution for the growing demand for ice sports throughout Northwest Florida.