The Cooler to Convert into Pickleball Club: The Cooler, a longtime ice skating rink in Alpharetta, will close after nearly 28 years. The facility, currently used for hockey and figure skating, is set to be converted into a pickleball club, leaving parents and athletes scrambling for alternatives.
The closure has sparked a backlash from the local hockey community. Thousands have signed an online petition to keep the rink open. The rink’s owner, John Bardis, cited high operating costs and the growing popularity of pickleball as key factors in the decision.
A Shift in Purpose
The Cooler has been a fixture in Alpharetta since 1997. In February, news spread that the rink would be repurposed. Bardis defended the decision, explaining that changing demographics and increased interest in pickleball influenced the move.
“We think actually as we look at the diversification of our community here in Alpharetta, which was very different thirty years ago, that we’re going to be able to serve more people.” – (Bardis told FOX 5)
Frustration Among Hockey Families
For parents and athletes in the Atlanta Fire Hockey Club, the transition is difficult. With tryouts for new teams scheduled for late April, many families are struggling to find alternatives.
“I just wish we had more time. More time to figure things out.” – (Michelle Parsons)
“We want to stay together. We don’t want to go to other rinks, we don’t want to take spots from other people.” – (Michelle Parsons)
Patrick Humm, another parent, expressed disappointment over losing an ice rink while efforts to bring an NHL team to the area continue.
“There’s ambitions for all of us hopefully to get hockey here in town and seeing two sheets of ice go away when we want to bring an NHL team into town is difficult.” – (Patrick Humm)
What Comes Next?
Parents say team coaches are working hard to find new places for players to train and compete. While pickleball is growing in popularity, the loss of The Cooler highlights the challenges of balancing community interests.
News in Brief: The Cooler to Convert into Pickleball Club
Alpharetta’s ice rink, The Cooler, is closing after 28 years. The space will be turned into a pickleball club, sparking frustration among local hockey families. Parents are now searching for alternative rinks as tryouts approach. Thousands have signed a petition opposing the closure, but the decision remains final.
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