This Land Use Permit approved the arena exterior elevations, landscape plan and site plan for the new Skating Rink. The non-profit Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association (GSBISA) has now submitted complete design and construction plans to the City in order to obtain a building permit based upon this recent DRB approval. GSBISA’s “Ice in Paradise” Capital Campaign has raised $4.5 million in donations to date. $1 million is needed now to achieve groundbreaking in late 2012.

“With the exterior design approved we can now complete planning the interior. We’re looking forward to completion of the building permit process within the next six months,” said GSBISA President Kathy Mintzer after DRB approval. “Our design team and building committee has worked well with the staff at the City of Goleta and the DRB, who have both provided valuable input throughout the design review process. We think the final design is excellent.”

Ms. Mintzer also covered some key points about the project: “The ice skating arena will provide permanent low-cost public recreation serving youth, adults and families. We’re doing things like a state-of-the-art energy-efficient design, building an after-school homework center for student athletes, and including facilities for ice skaters and ice-sports participants with disabilities.”

GSBISA has strived to provide a strong foundation for the project, and has long sought to develop the most sustainable arena and provide the best economical operating model possible. The 1.3 acre site was donated with fully vested development rights restricted to an Ice Rink. Land and building will be owned by GSBISA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Positive cash flow from everyday operations is projected.

“In short, we’re doing our homework and collaborating with stakeholders like the City of Goleta to make the project the best it can be.” said Ms. Mintzer of GSBISA. “The Ice Skating Arena will be a jewel of the community that provides healthy recreation for generations to come.”

To make a donation, please call Ada Conner at (805) 879-1552 or click here.

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The Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association (GSBISA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed by a group of volunteers with the mission of developing a permanent public ice skating arena at Girsh Park in Goleta, California. Land has been donated, a design-build team selected, and exterior plans approved by the City of Goleta. Once open it will be the only ice skating rink on the coast between Oxnard and San Jose.

Ice skating offers a recreational resource for the entire community. People of all ability levels will be able to learn new skills and participate in artistic and athletic endeavors that are currently unavailable locally. Special design features allow for adaptive ice sports, including sled hockey for Wounded Warriors and others with disabilities. The ice skating rink will be a venue for quality time with family and friends, and clean, supervised fun. Local agencies serving at-risk youth are anxiously awaiting the chance to get their kids on the ice!

Anyone interested in helping make ice skating a reality at Girsh Park in Goleta can make a contribution to GSBISA by contacting Ada Conner, Capital Campaign Director, by telephone at 805-879-1552 or by email to ada@iceinparadise.com.

For more information about the project, please click here.

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