June 6, 2020
Dear Valued Team Members and Ice Sports Family,
Following the guidelines issued earlier this week under the Governor's Phase II of Virginia Forward, we have made the decision that we will resume very limited operations. Unfortunately, under these guidelines, we cannot fully resume all of our programs and activities, but we are trying to put together a plan to get back on the ice while operating under the restrictions. Our hope is that we are able to return to full operation of all our programs very soon during Phase III.
Effective Monday June 8th, we will be opening the Richmond Ice Zone only for freestyle private lessons in the mornings, and small group ice rental blocks in the afternoon and evenings. To operate within the Phase II guidelines, we will be following some new protocols.
The morning Freestyle sessions will be limited to 15 skaters and 10 coaches on the ice. They will be offered in blocks of 30 minutes, with 5 minutes between to allow skaters to enter and exit the ice. Look for an email from your coach or skating director with additional information on Sunday June 7th in the late afternoon or early evening regarding registration for these slots.
Additionally, we will be offering one hour blocks of ice time for recreational hockey or figure skating rental in the late afternoons and evenings. For available slots or to reserve a block, please email
Mike Lyons at
mlyons@richmondicezone.com
All recreational sports participants will be asked to follow these Phase II guidelines:
- Per the governor's order, everyone is requested to wear an appropriate face mask or covering when not on the ice.
- All on ice participants and coaches are required to maintain 10 feet of separation while on the ice.
- Hockey activities will be limited to "stick and puck" type hockey practice or skating work only.
- Helmets will be required for all participants during any hockey activities.
- Groups will be limited to 25 participants total on the ice, including coaches.
- No spectators will be allowed other than one parent or guardian who may accompany any minor age participant.
- All participants should come fully dressed for the event, locker rooms will not be available for use.
- Spaced seating will be provided in the lobby and cafe area for putting on and taking off skates.
- There will be 45 minutes allowed between each session to allow previous participants to exit the building, staff to disinfect surfaces and the next group to enter 15 minutes before their scheduled ice time.
Here are some of the steps we will be taking to help keep everyone safe:
- Implementing one way traffic flow at facility and ice entrances.
- All staff members and guests will be expected to wear a face mask while in the building (except while on the ice)
- Staff members will be required to complete a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment, including temperature checks prior beginning their shift.
- We have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols of surfaces, during the day, between groups, and a nightly EPA approved disinfectant fogging process.
- We have expanded our online waiver and registration systems and are encouraging all customers to take advantage of these options for a contact-free check-in process.
- We have installed 'droplet guards' at our front register to provide additional protection for staff and guests when they do have to interact.
Our team has been working hard this weekend to get the rink and ice ready and are very excited to welcome some of our athletes and coaches back starting on Monday. We know that these restrictions and processes will be new to all of us and ask that we work together to develop and implement them.
We plan to use these next couple of weeks to learn and improve these process so we will be ready when we are able to fully reopen both rinks and restart our programs.
Thank you all for your understanding and patience as we navigate these challenging times. I sincerely hope that everyone is staying safe and well and feel that we are one step closer to welcoming you all back on the ice!
