Mayor Bowser to Celebrate Grand Reopening of the DPR Fort Dupont Ice Arena Following $39 Million Renovation

(Washington, DC) - On Saturday, December 6 at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser will be joined by District officials and members of the Ward 7 community to cut the ribbon and celebrate the reopening of the newly modernized Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Fort Dupont Ice Arena.

Through a $39 million renovation, the District has transformed the arena into a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve skaters of all ages and skill levels. The project includes an NHL-sized ice sheet for expanded programming and competitive play, modern locker rooms and storage spaces, new spectator seating and viewing areas, and landscape improvements that enhance the surrounding community space. With the reopening, DPR will now operate the arena and lead all programming.

Following the ribbon cutting, a figure skating performance will take place at noon, and residents will be invited to tour the upgraded facility and enjoy a full day of free skating. Community open skate sessions will take place at 12:15 pm 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm, and a special "Learn to Skate" session will be offered from 1:15 to 2 pm Learn more and RSVP at fortduponticearena.splashthat.com.

This celebration marks the return of a cherished community hub that has served generations of District families. With expanded amenities and a renewed mission, the DPR Fort Dupont Ice Arena will continue to provide year-round opportunities for residents to skate, gather, and grow together.

When:
Saturday, December 6 at 11 am

Who:
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Councilmember Wendell Felder, Ward 7
Thennie Freeman, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation
Delano Hunter, Director, Department of General Services
Frieda Edwards, Commissioner, ANC 7F06
Elizabeth Pace, President and Executive Director, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
Neal Henderson, Founder, Fort Dupont Cannons Ice Hockey Club

Where:
DPR Fort Dupont Ice Arena
3779 Ely Place SE
*Closest Bus Routes: C31, C35, C37, and D24, V8*
*Closest Bikeshare: 37th & Ely Pl SE *

Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected].

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will provide a live feed of this event. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN), or watch on Mayor Bowser's Facebook or X.

Mayor Bowser X: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Bluesky: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos
Mayor Bowser LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayorbowser