Parks and Recreation Ice Rink Policy Changes

Requested coordination between Sandy City, the MSD, and the County regarding the transition of Sandy Hills community capital assets and revenues.

Spoke on behalf of the Salt Lake County Ice Sports Coalition in opposition to the new policy banning private lessons during public skate, asking the county to pause implementation and engage stakeholders.

Shared personal experiences of how adult figure skating on public ice improved her mental well-being and recovery from early motherhood.

Highlighted that adult skaters and coaches act as volunteer first responders during public ice sessions and warned that banning coaches creates safety risks.

Explained that young hockey players rely on public skate sessions to learn basic skills before moving to advanced stick-and-puck sessions.

Highlighted the strong community and sportsmanship among adult figure skaters at Steiner Ice Rink and the difficulty of learning on freestyle ice.

Stated that coaches and skaters will lose about 40 hours of ice time per week under the new policy, causing financial hardship.

Read a statement from coach Stephanie Grosscup criticizing the sudden rule change and its impact on the 26-year-old county skating program.

Asked the county to pause the ice rink policy change and review existing safety controls with the community.

Warned that mixing beginner and elite skaters on freestyle ice due to the new policy creates severe collision and injury risks.

Asked the county to reconsider or pause the ice rink policy, noting adult learners feel unsafe on freestyle ice.

Stated that rinks nationwide allow low-level coaching on public sessions and asked the county to involve the community in finding a solution.

Suggested intermediate safety steps such as reinforcing rules, renting helmets, and educating renters rather than enacting a blanket ban.