Hockey Community

I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the recent improvements at the Bellingham Sportsplex and to share how much my family has enjoyed being part of the vibrant hockey community, especially through our involvement with the Bellingham Blazers. The enhancements to the Sportsplex have made a significant positive impact on our experience, and we are grateful for the effort and resources that have been invested in this vital community facility.

As avid participants in the local hockey scene, we have witnessed firsthand the growth of the sport in Bellingham, particularly among working-class families like ours. The affordability of hockey in Bellingham compared to larger cities like Seattle has been crucial in allowing our family and many others to participate in this fantastic sport. The accessible nature of the Bellingham hockey community not only builds athletic skills but also fosters a sense of equity and inclusivity that can be challenging to find in more expensive areas.

Given the success of the program and the growing interest in hockey within our community, we believe there is a wonderful opportunity to expand the facilities at the Bellingham Sportsplex. Specifically, we would love to see the addition of a second sheet of ice, similar to the facilities our neighbors to the north enjoy just across the border. Having a second rink would not only accommodate the increasing demand for ice time but also allow for the expansion of programs, tournaments, and community events, further strengthening Bellingham’s reputation as a regional hub for hockey. Improved seating in the existing rink would also be a big benefit, the current metal bleachers conduct cold in a way that is physically painful for older community members hoping to watch games.

Investing in an additional sheet of ice would provide even more opportunities for our youth and adult leagues, increase the ability to host larger tournaments, and attract teams from surrounding areas. This, in turn, would boost local businesses and the economy while continuing to offer a space where families of all income levels can participate in and enjoy the sport we love.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of recreational opportunities in Bellingham. My family and I are excited about the future of hockey in our community, and we hope to see further development of the Sportsplex to accommodate the growing needs of our hockey families