Community First Igloo - Your Ice Sports Hub
There is a wonderful place, a truly special spot where the joy of ice sports comes to life for everyone in Northeast Florida. It is the Community First Igloo, a gathering place for those who love to glide across the ice, chase a puck, or simply enjoy the cool air of a rink. This facility has been given a complete refresh, a really significant change that makes it a prime destination for fun and skill-building, for people of all ages and abilities, and it’s right here in Jacksonville.
This amazing transformation, you know, it came with a rather considerable price tag, roughly $18.5 million. That money, it’s actually a mix of contributions from local folks who believe in this project and financial support from the city itself, a combination of grants and loans. So, in some respects, it really is a community effort, bringing this ice sports center to its current splendid state, making it a home for so many different kinds of ice activities, from casual skating to serious competition.
What you find inside this renewed space is a welcoming environment, a place where people can truly connect with the ice. It’s a spot that has become the central point for ice sports across the entire region, serving as the official home for the Jacksonville Icemen. So, whether you are looking to learn something new, cheer on a favorite team, or just spend some time on the ice with family and friends, this place, the Community First Igloo, is really set up to offer a memorable experience for everyone who walks through its doors.
Table of Contents
- Welcome to the Community First Igloo
- What Can You Do at the Community First Igloo?
- Who Is the Community First Igloo For?
- Where Is the Community First Igloo Located?
- A Place for Everyone on the Ice
- The Heart of Ice Sports in Northeast Florida
- Making Ice Magic Happen
- More Than Just Ice
Welcome to the Community First Igloo
Stepping into the Community First Igloo, you'll immediately sense a lively atmosphere, a place buzzing with people enjoying themselves. This ice center, located in Spring Park, just had its grand opening, a special event that brought together the Jacksonville Icemen, Community First Credit Union, and city officials to celebrate its rebirth. It’s pretty exciting, actually, to see such a wonderful place open its doors wide to the public, offering a fresh new experience for everyone who loves the ice.
The facility itself is a testament to dedication and community spirit, having undergone a significant renovation. You know, it’s not just a quick paint job; this was a complete overhaul, making it a truly modern and inviting space for all sorts of ice-related fun. From the moment you arrive, you get a sense that this place is built for enjoyment, a spot where memories are made on skates, with friends and family.
We are, quite honestly, very happy to welcome you for our public skating sessions. It is, basically, a great place for a fun public ice session. The doors are open every day, giving people lots of chances to come out and glide. You can always check the event calendar to get the most up-to-date schedules and see what public programs are available. So, there is always something going on, more or less, for you to be a part of.
What Can You Do at the Community First Igloo?
So, what sorts of things can you actually get up to here at the Community First Igloo? Well, there is quite a bit, honestly. For those who enjoy just moving freely on the ice, public skating is a big draw. It is, basically, presented by Publix, making it an even more accessible activity for many. If you are new to skating or just want to brush up on your moves, basic skill classes are available. These classes are a good way to get comfortable on the ice and learn the fundamentals.
For the hockey enthusiasts, young and old, the Igloo has a lot to offer. There are youth and adult ice hockey programs, providing structured ways to play and compete. The place hosts different age groups for recreational hockey, including 8u, 10u, 13u, and 17u/high school levels, along with adult leagues. This means, you know, there’s a spot for nearly everyone who wants to get on the ice and play some hockey, regardless of their age or current skill level.
And for those who prefer the grace and artistry of figure skating, there are advanced figure skating classes. These classes are open to skaters who have reached the LTS USA pre-free skate level or even higher, which means they are designed to help push your abilities further. There is also a special camp available, aimed at helping you take your skating skills to the next level, offering focused instruction and practice time. So, it’s a pretty comprehensive set of options for anyone looking to improve their ice abilities.
Who Is the Community First Igloo For?
This place, the Community First Igloo, is truly for everyone who has a spark of interest in ice activities, or perhaps just wants to try something new. It caters to a really wide range of ages and different levels of skill, from someone who has never been on skates before to seasoned ice athletes. You know, if you are looking for a fun day out with your loved ones, a public skating session could be just the thing. It’s a very welcoming spot for families and individuals alike.
For the younger crowd, there are structured programs like the 8u, 10u, 13u, and 17u/high school recreational leagues, providing a place for children and teenagers to learn and play ice hockey in a supportive setting. And for the grown-ups, adult leagues are available, offering a chance to stay active and enjoy the sport. So, pretty much anyone, no matter their age, can find a program that fits their interests and abilities here.
Community First members, for example, get some special perks. They receive exclusive price reductions on certain things, which is a nice little bonus for those who are part of that group. This makes it even more appealing for them to come and enjoy all the ice activities. Basically, the aim is to make ice sports accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible, creating a true hub for the community to gather and have a good time on the ice.
Where Is the Community First Igloo Located?
Finding the Community First Igloo is pretty straightforward, actually. It is located at 3605 Philips Highway, in Jacksonville, Florida. This central spot makes it quite easy for people from all over Northeast Florida to get to, whether they are coming for a public skate, a hockey game, or a lesson. The address is simple enough to remember, and it is a well-known location for those who are familiar with the area.
The facility itself is a rather prominent building, a really noticeable structure in the area. It stands as the only NHL-sized ice rink in Northeast Florida, which is a pretty significant detail. This means it offers a large, professional surface for skating and playing, providing ample room for all sorts of ice activities. So, when you are looking for a place to get on the ice, you know, this is the premier spot in the region, offering a spacious and authentic ice experience.
It’s a place that sees a good amount of activity, too. Based on social media numbers, it has gathered a considerable following, with over 10,000 likes and many people talking about it online. A large number of visitors have also checked in there, showing just how popular and well-attended this ice center is. So, it is not just a building; it is a lively spot where people gather, connect, and enjoy the ice, making it a very active part of the local scene.
A Place for Everyone on the Ice
The Community First Igloo truly has something for just about everyone who steps onto the ice, or even just wants to watch. Beyond the organized leagues and classes, there are plenty of ways to simply enjoy the ice. Birthday parties are offered here, making it a really cool and unique place to celebrate a special day with friends. Imagine celebrating your birthday with some time on the ice; it’s a pretty memorable experience, you know.
For those who just want to come and skate, public ice skating sessions are a regular feature. And to make it even more appealing, free skate rental is provided with the purchase of a public skating session. This is a nice little touch, as it means you do not have to worry about bringing your own skates if you do not have them, or paying extra to rent them. It makes getting out on the ice that much easier and more inviting for casual visitors.
There are even special deals, like the "Kids Free November" promotion, where you just need to mention it at the front desk to receive the offer. These kinds of promotions, they really help make the ice accessible to more families, encouraging everyone to come and experience the fun. So, whether you are a seasoned skater or just curious about trying it out, the Igloo provides a very welcoming and accommodating environment for all sorts of ice-related fun, basically.
The Heart of Ice Sports in Northeast Florida
The Community First Igloo is, in many ways, the very center of ice sports activity for the entire Northeast Florida area. It is, after all, the official home of the Jacksonville Icemen, the local hockey team. This means you can catch exciting games and feel the energy of professional ice hockey right here. Having the team call this place home really adds to the vibrant atmosphere and makes it a focal point for fans and players alike.
Beyond just hosting games, the Igloo is committed to helping athletes grow, both on the ice and in their personal lives. This dedication to development means that players, especially younger ones, receive support and guidance that extends beyond just their skating or puck-handling skills. It is about building well-rounded individuals, which is a pretty thoughtful approach, you know, to sports and personal growth.
The facility is always buzzing with activity, seven days a week, with things happening throughout the entire building. While there are usually staff members around, the specific "office hours" can vary, so it is a good idea to check ahead if you need to speak with someone during a particular time. This constant activity truly makes the Igloo a lively and dynamic place, a really active spot where something is always going on, basically.
Making Ice Magic Happen
The operation of a place like the Community First Igloo involves quite a bit of work behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly for everyone who visits. One important aspect is skate sharpening. While they do offer this service, it is worth noting that they cannot promise an immediate turnaround. So, if you need your skates sharpened, it is a good idea to plan ahead a little bit, giving them enough time to get the job done properly for you.
The significant transformation of the Igloo, as mentioned, cost around $18.5 million. This substantial investment, coming from a blend of local investors and city grants and loans, really shows a strong belief in the future of ice sports in the region. It is a big commitment, you know, to creating a top-notch facility that will serve the community for many years to come, providing a very high-quality experience for all who use it.
The grand opening, which was a very special occasion, brought together key figures from the Jacksonville Icemen, Community First Credit Union, and the City of Jacksonville. This collective celebration marked the official unveiling of the newly renovated facility, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought this project to life. It was a moment of shared excitement, really, showcasing the community's dedication to this wonderful ice center.
More Than Just Ice
While the ice is certainly the main attraction, the Community First Igloo offers more than just skating surfaces. You will find comfortable locker rooms, which are pretty important for getting ready and changing. There are also dedicated party rooms, perfect for those birthday celebrations or other special gatherings, providing a private space for your group to enjoy. These extra amenities really help make the Igloo a complete destination for fun and events.
For those who need gear or just want to browse, there is a pro shop right there on site. This means you can pick up any essentials you might need for your time on the ice, or perhaps find something new to add to your equipment. It is pretty convenient, actually, having everything you might need for your ice activities all in one spot, making your visit that much easier and more enjoyable.
And when you need a break from the action, or just want to hang out with friends, Icebreakers Bar & Grill is your new go-to spot. It is located right in the middle of everything, so you are never far from the excitement. This place is set to become a favorite gathering point for fellow hockey fans and friends, offering a relaxed atmosphere to grab a bite or a drink. It really adds another layer to the whole experience, making the Community First Igloo a place where you can spend a good amount of time, you know, both on and off the ice.
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