Board Approves $6 Million for Fort Washington Ice Center

Program Open Space Funding Used to Rebuild Facility

Former Tucker Road Ice Skating Center

The Board of Public Works unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources item that provides $6 million to Prince George’s County for the development of the Tucker Road Ice Skating Center in Fort Washington. The board is comprised of Governor Larry Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp.

The county plans to use Program Open Space Local funds to rebuild the center that was damaged in a January 2017 fire. Program Open Space Local provides financial and technical assistance to communities and municipalities for the acquisition, development and planning of recreation facilities, and open space areas. The program has been managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources since 1969.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Prince George’s County and our work to promote recreation and sports,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “Working with our local communities we can identify and pursue construction and renovation projects that meet their unique goals, improving the quality of life of every Marylander.”

The new 48,860-square-foot facility will have an NHL-sized ice rink with bleachers and seating, a class/party room, dance studio, skate rental space, snack bar and other amenities, like locker rooms and family-friendly changing areas. The Tucker Road Ice Skating Center, home to the Tucker Road Ducks, is the only ice rink in the southern portion of Prince George’s County.

“We are pleased by the state’s significant support of our effort to rebuild an improved ice center facility,” Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation Acting Division Chief of the of the Park Planning and Development Division Alvin McNeal said. “This funding is an affirmation of the importance of a facility, of this caliber, for the community.”

More than 6,000 conservation and recreation projects throughout the state have been assisted by Program Open Space Local grants.