Municipality Plans New and Larger Kardinge Ice Rink, Calls on Province for Support
Groningen municipality reverses course after public protests, proposing a larger ice rink and upgraded sports facilities while seeking provincial support for funding.
The municipality of Groningen has announced plans to build a new and larger ice rink at the Kardinge Sports Centre as part of its transformation into a "Vitality Campus." This decision comes after months of back-and-forth discussions and public backlash, following earlier doubts about whether the rink would even remain operational.
Community Backlash
The Kardinge ice rink, now over 31 years old, has been a staple of Groningen's recreational and sporting activities, attracting approximately 135,000 visitors annually. Earlier this year, the municipality's reluctance to fund a new rink led to widespread protests. Hundreds of skating enthusiasts gathered at the Grote Markt, voicing their opposition to the rink's potential closure. A petition was also launched, highlighting the rink's importance for both local residents and visitors from across the province.
In response to the public outcry, the municipality reversed its position, emphasizing the importance of the ice rink in combating sedentary lifestyles and fostering regional vitality. The new plan envisions a state-of-the-art facility with a 400-meter track and additional ice surfaces for activities like ice hockey, along with an upgraded swimming pool to address the demand for indoor swimming facilities.
Provincial Contribution
Despite the ambitious plans, the municipality is calling on the Province of Groningen to co-finance the project, arguing that approximately 40% of the rink’s visitors come from outside the city. Comparisons have been drawn to similar provincial contributions for ice rinks in Leeuwarden and Enschede.
Sports alderman Inge Jongman has underscored the importance of provincial support, stating that the project will be "incredibly complicated" without it. The estimated cost of the new facility ranges from €60 million to €100 million, depending on the scope of renovations. The province, which previously deemed the rink "not a provincial responsibility," has indicated it will review the municipality's latest proposal.
A Hub for Regional Activity
The proposed expansion is part of a broader plan to turn Kardinge into a Vitality Campus, integrating sports, recreation, education, and nature. The new facility is projected to attract up to 200,000 visitors annually by 2027, with the majority coming for the 400-meter track. The upgraded swimming pool is also expected to cater to increased demand for swimming lessons and competitive events.