On June 3, 2026 the Escondido City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rinks Foundation to explore the feasibility of developing a community ice facility to be built by The Rinks Foundation, a nonprofit organization that operates eight hockey and skating facilities in Southern California, including The Rinks – Poway Ice in Poway and Great Park Ice in Irvine.
The construction, operation, and maintenance of the complex would be fully funded by The Rinks Foundation, founded by philanthropists and owners of the San Diego Gulls and Anaheim Ducks, Henry and Susan Samueli.
The facility is proposed to be built on City land at Kit Carson Park, where the current adult softball complex is located. The proposed design for the complex includes three sheets of ice, one of which will feature seating for 2,000-3,000 spectators, a restaurant, and training and competition facilities. The facility would be home to a variety of activities, including youth, high school & adult hockey programs and tournaments, competitive and recreational figure skating, sled hockey, public recreational skating, curling, broomball, and community events.
In addition, the complex would be used as a practice facility for the San Diego Gulls AHL team and a home for the San Diego Jr. Gulls, Jr. Gulls Girls, and high school hockey as part of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League.
Community Meeting Information
Tuesday 9 June 2026 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Vineyard Room
East Valley Community Center
2245 E. Valley Parkway
Saturday 13 June 2026 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Mitchell Room
Escondido City Hall
201 N. Broadway
FAQ
We're Still Exploring...
What do you want us to consider?
6 June, 2026
Ashley says:
This will detract from the natural space and making parking and traffic a disaster. huge upgrades to bear valley road are needed for this.
6 June, 2026
John says:
Your remarks say you cannot devlop Mall, yet, you stopped Costco from building a gas station. I'd say you have the influence to get it done.
6 June, 2026
John says:
why not use land city owns next to transit center. Win win, revitalize that area
6 June, 2026
John says:
This is a bad idea, buying a developer off with city owned land that will disrupt the flavor of the park. 4 mil wont' build new fields.
6 June, 2026
Ana says:
Allow our feedback be more than only 140 characters. I do not support of city land to a privare business and it protrayed as a donations
6 June, 2026
Dave says:
Escondido needs more activities for children and adults. Look carefully at all financials in detail so that Escondido benefits vs loses.
6 June, 2026
Jessica B says:
Loss of green space, traffic congestion - great idea but different location
6 June, 2026
Andrew C says:
It would be great to see the community benefit from this beautiful new facility!
6 June, 2026
Bernie says:
1. Impact on parking!
2. Impact on traffic congestion!
3. Impact on our peacuful park!
All of these things are negative!
6 June, 2026
Brandon says:
For the scope of the project. Does Escondido have the demographic to put the facilities to good use? Will it sit under more than used?
6 June, 2026
Mary says:
I think this is a wonderful project that would benefit our community! It would create jobs for the community, bring in money for the busines
6 June, 2026
Sunflower says:
Building a splash pad this is for like older kids it seems like honestly and more people around there it’ll just be too many.