Our Story...
The Park District of Franklin Park Ice Arena, located in Franklin Park, Illinois, has a notable history that reflects the evolution of recreational ice sports and community facilities in the region.
The Ice Arena was established in the early 1970s, a period when many suburban communities in the Chicago area were expanding their recreational offerings. The Park District of Franklin Park recognized the growing interest in ice sports, such as hockey and figure skating, and saw an opportunity to provide a local facility that would cater to these interests. Construction of the Ice Arena began in 1973, driven by the Park District’s commitment to enhancing community amenities.
A critical part of the Ice Arena’s development was the successful passage of a referendum that allowed for funding to be allocated toward the project. The referendum received strong support from the community, reflecting the local enthusiasm for the proposed facility and the opportunities it would provide. This funding was instrumental in bringing the project to life. The Park District organized informational meetings, distributed literature, and actively involved local leaders and residents in discussions about the future of recreational facilities in the area. Their efforts helped garner widespread support for the project.
On June 17th, 1974, the Ice Arena officially opened its doors, offering a state-of-the-art facility that soon became a hub for local skaters, athletes, and families. Over the years, it has hosted countless hockey games, figure skating competitions, and public skating events, becoming a beloved landmark in Franklin Park. The arena continues to be a vital part of the community, fostering a love for ice sports across generations.
In recent years, the Park District of Franklin Park has made significant investments in the Ice Arena, underscoring a commitment to sustainability and modern amenities. These improvements, such as energy-efficient lighting and enhanced accessibility features, are intended to ensure that the arena remains up-to-date with current standards and continues to serve the community effectively for many years ahead. By integrating these modern advancements, the facility enhances its environmental responsibility while maintaining operational excellence. The facility’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and innovate while remaining true to its roots. The Franklin Park Ice Arena has witnessed countless milestones, from hosting community events and local championships to becoming a beloved gathering place for families and friends. Its walls have echoed with the cheers of enthusiastic spectators, the clinks of skates on ice, and the laughter of children discovering the joys of skating. Beyond its role as a sports venue, the Ice Arena serves as a symbol of community spirit and dedication. It embodies the Park District’s vision of creating inclusive and accessible recreational spaces that enhance the quality of life for all residents.
As a cherished institution in Franklin Park, the Ice Arena stands as a beacon of community engagement and athletic excellence. It has not only provided a platform for ice sports but has also played a vital role in bringing people together, celebrating shared experiences, and fostering a sense of belonging. The arena’s impact extends far beyond its ice surface, shaping memories and creating opportunities for generations to come. Looking ahead, the Franklin Park Ice Arena is poised to continue its tradition of excellence, embracing new opportunities while remaining a steadfast pillar of the community. Its legacy of providing quality recreational experiences, coupled with its commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensures that it will remain a beloved and integral part of Franklin Park for many years to come.
&Your Memories...
Frank McCoy - Director of Parks & Recreation from 1969 to 1973
I was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Park District of Franklin Park from November 1968 to April 1973. During that time, we flooded outdoor parks for skating and built a regulation outdoor ice rink with boards at North Park. However, it was very difficult to maintain ice for more than five or six weeks during the winter. Flooding the rinks at night was a cold and challenging task for the maintenance staff, which sparked the idea of an indoor rink. We wanted to provide reliable ice for indoor youth and adult hockey leagues, and particularly for the people of Franklin Park. When we began planning the rink, the idea of adding a second smaller rink emerged. This would cater to figure skating as well, appealing to all ages and not just hockey players.
Key supporters of building the ice rink included park board members Jim Beales, Terry Grbac, and Chris Quinn. Don Jansic and the local hockey community also became actively involved. Additionally, people like Tony Iori, whose son Frank was an excellent hockey player, went door-to-door in the community to promote the need for an ice rink. The bond issue passed overwhelmingly in 1973, securing the funding for the ice rink. Wendt, Cedarholm, and Tippens Architects were selected to design the rink, with Jack Barkley overseeing the design of all the mechanical equipment for the ice. Although I did not stay to see the rink completed, as I left to run the park system in Spokane, Washington, the vision had been set in motion. Franklin Park was a significant part of my family’s life, and we loved living there. I am grateful to the community for the five years I spent there. The experience I gained in Franklin Park—building the Community Center, the Centre at North Park, acquiring and developing small parks, and purchasing the maintenance building—was an invaluable opportunity that laid the foundation for my entire career.
John Hedges - Director of Parks & Recreation from 1973 to 1980
The Franklin Park Ice Arena has successfully served the community and a larger regional area with quality facilities and services for fifty years. There are two main reasons for the success of this project and the general services provided by the Park District. First, the vision and dedication of the Board and staff; second, the District’s approach to efficiently managing financial assets and park acreage. They have dedicated their relatively small amount of owned land to very high and efficient use. The Ice Arena, along with the Community Center and North Park Center, are exemplary examples of this dedication. Completing the Ice Arena project required a great deal of hard work and courage, from passing the referendum to finance the project to overcoming zoning challenges, designing the facility, and constructing the building.
My contributions began with the construction of the facility and the development of the programs. The District greatly benefited from the talents of an excellent architectural firm and, later, an equally talented construction company. The design was consistent with the norms of the time, featuring a main hockey rink and a smaller studio or instructional rink. Programming included public skating, lessons, hockey leagues, ice rental, and of course, the Annual Ice Show. The construction was completed with the usual challenges and adjustments. As the building neared completion, months of preparation followed—purchasing equipment, training staff, and developing procedures. It all came together, culminating in an exceptional grand opening. While the arena may look a little different today, the mission remains the same and continues to be carried out at a high level.
Joseph D. Modrich - Director of Parks & Recreation from 2000 to 2022
Long before the Ice Arena was built, Waveland Avenue between Rose Street and Ruby Street was a mix of small businesses and a few houses. Just west of C. Johnson Sign Company stood a small, old-fashioned farmhouse where Dutch World War II immigrants, Mr. and Mrs. George Van Dyke, lived. They had a large garden and drew well water by hand in their kitchen. This was their home. I knew them as their paperboy when I was in grade school. They were always kind and gentle. In a landlocked town like Franklin Park, sometimes something has to be sacrificed for an enterprise like the Park District. In this case, the Van Dyke home had to be acquired via eminent domain. There is always a sense of loss and sadness when a family loses their home.
Knowing the Van Dykes as a boy, I remember that they did not have children. Nevertheless, I believe they would be happy to know that the Ice Arena has provided so many opportunities for families and children to learn to skate, figure skate, speed skate, and play hockey for 50 years. Certainly, their native Holland, with its historic frozen rivers and canals, has played a pivotal role in the evolution of skating and ice skate design for hundreds of years.
The well from their home remains capped at the exact location of the Van Dyke kitchen, in the far southeast corner of the Main Arena, just past the dasher boards adjacent to the new locker rooms. This natural water, capped and preserved, is a symbol of the water that, through the wonders of nature, freezes each year and provides the beauty of snow, inviting every Franklin Park child to skate outdoors. Eventually, through their love and interest, moms and dads—along with visionary Park District leadership—found a way to build this unique building, using the marvel of refrigeration to transfer that frozen water inside. Here, an amazing team has provided loving care for this high-tech “pond,” while creating and developing programs, organizations, and activities that have allowed generations to experience the joy of ice sports—each so special and unique.
The Ice Arena has always been, and still is today, an ever-growing happy family with countless stories to tell. It stands for happiness, health, and home, for family, friends, and fun. May God bless this special place for many years to come!
Daniel LoCascio - Director of Parks & Recreation from 2022 to Current Day
My earliest memories of the Ice Arena are from taking a skating lesson on the Main Rink. I only remember one lesson, so I guess that makes me a skating school flunky because, to this day, I still cannot skate. In junior high, I went to a couple of open skate nights, painfully killing my ankles in the process. In high school, I attended a good number of Leyden hockey games.
It wasn’t until I started my internship in 2003, working an overnight setup for the Ice Show, that I really got to see ‘how the sausage was made,’ so to speak. It was a great introduction to the Ice Show, the staff, and the inner workings of the arena. Even after my internship, when I was working full-time in the Recreation Department, I continued helping with the overnight setup for a few more years. Through safety committee walkthroughs, playing broomball, talking with staff, and experiencing the renovation in 2015, I gained a basic understanding of how an ice arena operates. I am honored to lead the district with a building that has so much history and a staff that serves as a bridge to that history.
Coach Kenny McCudden
It’s 1974, and I’m 13 years old. My world revolves around sports. The world outside is fascinating too. Our country’s president is Richard Nixon, and U.S. astronauts have been aboard a space station called Skylab for 85 days. Hank Aaron is chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record, and my hero, Gordie Howe, is coming out of retirement to play hockey in the World Hockey Association. I watch The Six Million Dollar Man on TV, and I listen to Paul McCartney & Wings on my new record player until the grooves wear out. Just under four miles from my home is a newly built ice rink in Franklin Park. It’s state-of-the-art, with a welcoming lobby and smooth ice surfaces. It quickly becomes my second home. It gives me the pleasure of playing my favorite sport and the freedom to be creative. I want to be like Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, and the greatest of all, Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe.
This address, 9711 Waveland Ave, nurtures my vision and dreams. I learn from the community and the
environment inside this building. It gives me comfort and a sense of belonging. It’s becoming my home. I’m developing skills, shaping my personality, and building a passion for skating and playing ice hockey.
The warmth of this sanctuary brings joy, laughter, and daily memories. This rink gives me the opportunity to compete and experience the thrill of hopping over the boards. The cool air, the cheers with every stride—I don’t want the seconds and minutes on the clock to slip away. I can spend hours here, skating and hanging out in the pro shop. I try on new gloves and flex the latest sticks. My dedication to practice on the studio rink is making me better. I can feel myself improving because this building has given me every opportunity and built my confidence.
But now, it’s time to leave Franklin Park Ice Arena and say goodbye. I’ll be back next weekend—with my coaches, my teammates, and to the place I call home.
Before its opening in 1974, I skated outside on manmade rinks, so imagine my surprise when they announced they were building an ice arena near my home. My first thought at age 10 was, “I get to skate inside?”
I attended the Open House with my family and never got off the ice—literally. I skated for 43 years: 12 of them at Franklin Park Ice Arena, and then at other rinks in Illinois and Michigan, coaching private competitive students and a synchronized skating team. I retired from skating when I moved to Florida in 2017. My years of skating at Franklin Park Ice Arena were the best and happiest of my life. At age 10, I met my coach, Dorie Moss Casio, and my best friend, Ellen Rybarczyk, and we’re all still friends 50 years later! The memories and friendships I made at FPIA will never be forgotten.
September 7th, 2024
I worked at Franklin Park Ice Arena for nine years, starting in 1975. Little did I know that this job would lead me to meet my wife, Denise, and lay the foundation for my career in facility maintenance. Denise worked at the Ice Arena for seven years. We were part of a special group of people—a real family dynamic—which made it easy to want to go to work, especially when hosting special events. Hockey tournaments, ice shows, Blackhawks practices, and shutdown periods were some of the best times. The “Hit the Post” games were something to look forward to every week. It was amazing how many hockey players could find time off when free ice was available! We still cherish our relationships with many of the Franklin Park Ice Arena family today. Whatever small part we played in the early growth of the arena, it was more rewarding than we ever could have imagined. Congratulations, Franklin Park Ice Arena, on 50 years!
Tim Larsen
Karla Gustafson
Dorie Cascio
In 1973, I first learned that the Park District was going to build an Ice Arena. My brother and I jumped into the car and drove over to the site where the rink was to be built. I remember how happy my mom was that the rink would be only three miles away from where we lived! From the first moment I walked inside, there was a sense of warmth, especially with the fireplace setting, which led to many fireplace chats with skaters, parents, and friends. It was a state-of-the-art facility with a management team that cared deeply about their work. It quickly became a second home for so many people.
The Franklin Park Ice Arena should be proud of its 50 years of service to the community and honored to say that so many talented skaters have participated in their skate school. I remain proud of my students who trained at Franklin Park Ice Arena, many of whom went on to build successful careers in the sport we all love.
After serving as an International and National Synchronized Skating Coach and Skating Director for over twenty years, I still feel that Franklin Park Ice Arena is a part of me and a place I can always call home.
Joe Matz
The Franklin Park Ice Arena, when I was a kid, it was passionately referred to as the “Rink”. The “Rink” was an integral part of my youth! It is a welcoming place where athletes and sport enthusiasts came together. Some of the best times was the “Hit the Post” skate on Friday mornings and of course the mini games on the Studio Rink!
To this day I cherish the many relationships that were forged on the ice and in the parking lot around the dumpster!
Mike Fugiel
I grew up about a mile away from the Ice Arena and was in the midst of an internship in the summer of 1974. It was an exciting time in the community, as I recall the very first open skating sessions being filled to near capacity. My first job out of college was as an Ice Arena Supervisor, starting in May 1975. I stayed with the Franklin Park Ice Arena for about three years and eventually took on the responsibility of managing the swimming pool and community building operations, in addition to my duties at the rink. Afterward, I returned to graduate school and completed my Master’s Thesis on the relative value of feasibility studies in predicting financial outcomes for ice rinks in the greater metropolitan area. Following that, I accepted jobs that included managing rink operations in both Skokie and Park Ridge.
To this day, I believe that the operational fundamentals I learned in ice rink facilities provided a solid foundation for my 38-year administrative career in parks and recreation management. I also hold a great degree of gratitude for each and every staff member, board member, user group, and the community for the wonderful experience I had with the Franklin Park Ice Arena. There was a lot of pride and hard work that went into those early years of operation, and it was truly a fun learning experience to show up to work every day. I still admire the challenges and opportunities that came with it.
Grant Mulvey
It was the people who worked diligently to serve the community and their rink customers that made Franklin Park Ice Arena special. Shortly after the building opened, the Chicago Blackhawks began practicing there. No matter how well or poorly we played in our games, the rink employees always made us feel welcomed and encouraged. The ice was the best! The building was crisp and cool when we took the ice, and the ice surface was always perfect. I have such fond memories of our ice time at Franklin Park Ice Arena.
Thank you to all the amazing people who contributed to creating wonderful memories for so many.
Lisa Sundstrom
The ice at Franklin Park was always in excellent condition and was considered some of the fastest ice for speedskating in the country. In addition to hosting state-level meets and skating clinics, one of the best uses of this fast ice was to hold high-level events such as the North American Short Track Championships and the U.S. World Short Track Team selection meets. All of the speedskating clubs in Illinois collaborated to host these events, and Franklin Park was an ideal location. The staff went above and beyond to ensure the meets ran smoothly, and spectators were treated to exceptional skating, with many new records being set. The newly selected teams often used this rink for intensive training before heading to their international competitions. Watching these top skaters practice their various events, including the relay, was a real treat. The rink made sure to welcome spectators and press, which was great for the sport!
Dan Berry
The Franklin Park Ice Arena is home—a place with a special kind of magic. It’s an intangible quality that’s hard to put into words. You could call it character or culture, though it wasn’t planned or crafted. It grew from the remarkable people who worked and played there for 50 years.
There are ice facilities all over North America, and for that matter, the world, but not many have that special kind of magic that Franklin Park Ice Arena has. My career as a professional ice maker began there— first playing ice hockey, then becoming an employee as a goalie instructor and later as an ice technician.
My success is due to the Franklin Park Ice Arena family, especially Chez, who was such a great mentor, colleague, and friend.
Franklin Park Ice Arena made everyone better, and together, we all made each other better people. We continue to carry that magic wherever our paths have taken us. The world would be a better place if it had even a little bit of the Franklin Park Ice Arena magic touch.
Kevin Koshmider
The Franklin Park Ice Arena is where I played hockey growing up, and it’s where I learned how to ice skate. It became my first job in high school, and I’m honored to be part of the Ice Arena staff.
Another moment I cherish is teaching the next generation of kids the amazing sport of ice hockey, alongside an awesome coaching staff: Brandon Niedziela, Joe Schulz, and his dad, Artie. I always consider the Franklin Park Ice Arena a second home. The staff I work with are my best friends and co-workers.
It feels like we’re one big family here. I couldn’t say it any better, and I can’t wait to see what the next 50 years will be like at the Ice Arena.
Don Chez Cesario
Whether it’s hockey, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, ice shows, competitions, or tournaments, we all work together to make it happen. There are no egos here. The Franklin Park Ice Arena succeeds because of teamwork, and there aren’t many places left like that. We are very fortunate because everything we do benefits and brings enjoyment to others.
We have influenced so many young people, both on and off the ice. We introduce people to the ice and help them learn and grow in their sport. We also give many kids their first job and hope they take the concept of teamwork out into the world.
September 7th, 2024
Anne Raucci
The year we moved to Franklin Park, we heard that an ice arena was being built. My brother and I started taking classes, and my mom hoped we would become pair skaters. However, my brother didn’t share the same enthusiasm for skating. He stopped, but I continued coming to the arena. Eventually, my sister also began skating. We both skated at the arena, sometimes riding our bikes when we didn’t have a ride.
I grew up at the rink, participating in shows, precision teams, competitions, sleepovers, and classes until I was 18. Many of my childhood memories were made at the ice arena. My story didn’t end there, though. I started working at the rink when I turned 18, teaching classes for almost thirty years before becoming the Skate School Director.
Now, I get to help shape the experiences and memories for the next generation of skaters. I’ve reached a point where some of my former students now work at the rink and bring their own families to share in the joy of skating. Everyone enjoys themselves here and keeps coming back. I can’t believe 50 years have passed. It’s exciting to see what the future holds for Franklin Park Ice Arena.
Cindy Indurante
Nathan Wick
Skating during open skates in high school was my first introduction to the Ice Arena, and it was a thrilling experience. Those open skates, spent gliding across the ice with friends, were filled with laughter and joy. Little did I know that three decades later, I would find myself deeply involved in the facility’s operations in ways I never imagined. My journey began with supporting the team from the Parks Department by lending a hand with building repairs, ice removals, and reinstalling the ice. Later on, I assisted with major renovation projects. Each step of the process taught me valuable lessons about the intricate systems that keep the arena running smoothly. From handling building repairs and cleaning up fire damage to learning the technical aspects of the building’s infrastructure, the work has been both challenging and rewarding.
Being part of the team responsible for the arena’s upkeep and management has been a profound honor. It’s an incredible feeling to contribute to a place that once brought me so much joy as a teenager. The feedback we receive from our patrons, their smiles, and their appreciation for the facility validate the hard work we put into maintaining it. Knowing that we provide a space where others can create their own happy memories makes all the effort worthwhile. Seeing the positive impact we have on the community reinforces the sense of purpose and pride I feel in my role.
My four children have such fond memories of growing up at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. My daughters, Nicole and Kim, were avid figure skaters who loved learning from Coach Anne and Coach Dina. They began skating at age 5 and continued until they were 18, participating in precision teams, skating lessons, and numerous competitions. Their favorite experience, however, was participating in all the ice shows. My sons, Joey and Mike, started their hockey journeys at age 4 as Panther Hockey players. They loved skating and learning the game of hockey. The skills they developed under the guidance of the Franklin Park Ice Arena coaches helped them become better hockey players, eventually leading them to play for Notre Dame High School and Express Hockey. Through these experiences, they learned valuable lessons in teamwork and respect, and they both truly enjoyed hockey.
Now, as a grandparent, I get to see my grandsons, Nathan and Joey, follow in their footsteps. Watching them skate brings back wonderful memories of my sons at the same arena. My husband, Joe, also contributed to the ice arena as a Panther Hockey coach for 12 years and a Panther Hockey Coordinator for 10 years. He cherished the opportunity to teach his sons and other children the game of hockey.
The Franklin Park Ice Arena has been like a second home to my family. It instilled in my children a deep love for hockey and skating, making these sports a fun and important part of their lives.
Stan
Dubicki
The Franklin Park Ice Arena is truly a special place to work. It has a family atmosphere that extends to both staff and customers. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have spent so many joyful years here, doing what I love. From part-time to full-time, everyone contributed to making the rink a special place. Working for Sara Bolan taught us that the key elements to success are treating people with fairness, kindness, and respect. Watching Judy Caracci start each day with a smile made you look forward to coming to work. I was fortunate to be mentored by Chez and Joe Smigiel. These two men were—and continue to be—cornerstones in creating the best youth hockey program in Illinois. My greatest joy has been meeting my wife, Carla, watching our daughter play hockey, and now seeing our son put on skates for the first time. Watching generations of figure skaters and hockey players fall in love with their sport, develop confidence, learn teamwork, and enjoy a healthy, positive outlet fills me with pride. Many thanks to the Directors and Managers, past and present, and to the Board for providing outstanding leadership and giving me the opportunity to have my dream job.
Carla Deak
When asked to recall a favorite memory, coworker, or accomplishment, my only answer is that there are too many to count. I started working at the Ice Arena at the age of 17, and what was initially meant to be a part-time job to get me through college turned into so much more. Upon graduating and beginning the search for a full-time job, I wanted to work for a place just like this—the comforts of home, the camaraderie among coworkers and customers alike, and a connection to the community I grew up in. When the Ice Arena Administrative Assistant position opened up, I was thrilled to be offered the job! I quickly became involved in many areas of everyday programs and operations and eventually became the Ice Arena Programs & Marketing Manager. I greatly enjoyed being closely involved in both the hockey and figure skating sides and loved the time I spent behind the camera lens, helping to move our marketing materials to the digital age. Along the way, I’ve made so many lasting friendships with people I consider family. We’ve grown as individuals and professionals and made memories I will always cherish. I was fortunate to work with Judy Caracci, who instilled invaluable customer service skills in me, and Chez, who reminded us that our daily efforts are never for us but for the eager skaters and hockey players counting on us. I am beyond grateful to have worked alongside former Ice Arena Manager Sara Bolan, who I consider a mentor and whose office and title I now hold as the current Ice Arena Manager. Last, but certainly not least, I met my husband, Stan, here. Through our many years together, we had the pleasure of watching our daughter be a member of the original Pink Panthers Girls Hockey team, and now we’re excited to see our son take his first steps on the ice.
Walking in here as a 17-year-old kid and now being a wife and mother, this journey was unexpected but one I am incredibly lucky to have experienced. September 7th, 2024
Carl Cepuran
Let’s remember all the teammates, friends, fans, parents, coaches, and competitors who gathered in this place to create the moments we celebrate and learn from. Let’s appreciate this facility—from the brick and mortar, to the ice and water, and every physical part in between—that has laid the foundation for these memories. Let’s be thankful for the staff who breathed life into this building, keeping it not just alive but thriving over these 50 years! The ASAI (Illinois Speed Skating) could always count on the rink to provide ice, even in a tight market. The rink hosted the annual Kick Off Classic meet, as well as Special Needs meets and even an International North American Short Track competition. It was home to the Barrel Buster Classic, held in honor of Illinois Olympian and co-founder of the Franklin Park Speed Skating Club, Chuck Burke. The rink earned a reputation for high-quality ice and a professional, supportive staff. It helped establish the Franklin Park Speed Skating Club, the newest club in the region, and supported its rapid growth, soon developing national-level skaters and even Olympians. The rink also supported club efforts to make practices available to special needs skaters—a rare and valuable resource in the area. Over the years, dozens of club alumni, some of whom started at age 5 or 6, have skated for 1, 5, or 15+ years. Many have gone on to graduate college and pursue careers as teachers, soldiers, engineers, lawyers, doctors, and more, often benefiting from the friendships, inspiration, motivation, and life lessons developed during their time in this facility. May the memories created in the first 50 years spark and fuel dreams and goals that will inspire you to make the next 50 years even better than the first 50!
Sara Bolan
I began working at the FPIA in January 1991, at the age of 31. I was excited about the opportunity to manage a facility with such depth and a strong reputation throughout the industry. Many changes and transitions took place over the years, but with the help of a well-rounded staff, PDFP management, and the board of directors, the facility continued to thrive. I was also fortunate to have an excellent staff that was willing to tackle anything put before them! Even though the job was challenging at times, it was an enjoyable experience and an honor to be a part of this great organization for twenty-five years. In my first year, a large hockey organization left for another facility, which caused major challenges at the FPIA. With the help of local leaders, volunteers, and arena staff, by the fall of 1991, the Franklin Park Panthers and the Panther Paws instructional programs were born. By the late 1990s, the Panthers had peaked with 20 teams playing in the Northwest Hockey League and continue to be a strong presence in the league.
In 2015, during my last year, I had the opportunity to be part of the major upgrades to the FPIA. This included transitioning to a more eco-friendly refrigeration system, replacing both ice sheets, installing new HVAC equipment, updating dasher boards, and renovating the offices and lobby. The project not only came in under budget but also opened on time, ensuring that the FPIA would continue its reputation as having the best ice in the industry for many years to come.
Randy Albrecht
Congratulations on 50 years of the Franklin Park Ice Arena! It seems like just yesterday when I would ride my bike to Waveland Avenue to watch the construction of the Ice Arena. I remember my mother and father going around the neighborhood to gather signatures for a bond referendum so the Arena could be funded.
I couldn’t wait for the Ice Arena to open. At 15 and a half years old, I had to wait until I was 16 to apply for a job. I am truly grateful to have been hired by GM Bill Carlson and Assistant GM Joe Modrich. The Arena has had a profound influence on my life and on the lives of hundreds of others. Thank you to the Park District of Franklin Park for making this vision a reality. The Arena has been instrumental in fulfilling past dreams and inspiring future ones.
Stephanie Bersani
Thank you Park District of Franklin Park for making dreams of the past and future dreams come true. September 7th, 2024
To summarize it in one word, it would be “childhood.” At the age of 7, I embarked on my skating journey, a journey that I did not realize then would stay with me until today. Teammates who became like sisters, staff who treated me like family, and coaches with whom I formed lifetime friendships. From early morning lessons before school to after-school practices, there was rarely a day I was not at Franklin Park Ice Arena. The smell of the fireplace on a cold winter morning or the dew on the plexiglass on a hot summer day are imprinted in my memory. Endless hours preparing for the Holiday and Spring Ice Shows, and countless hours spent on and off the ice getting ready for the next competition, were where you could find me. The surreal part of this journey continues today with my boys learning to skate and playing hockey on the same ice surface I spent so much of my childhood on. Watching them make lifelong friendships with teammates and create bonds with coaches feels like looking back on my own childhood. To say we have the best ice in town is an understatement, but the meaning of the Ice Arena goes beyond that for me. Quality ice, without a doubt, but a childhood filled with quality memories that will last a lifetime is what the Ice Arena truly means to me.
Laura Vacca
The Franklin Park Ice Arena has been a second family to us. I walked in to sign my daughter, Stephanie, up for classes in 1991 and have never looked back.
We were greeted by Judy and have felt at home ever since. My daughter and son skated in figure skating, hockey, and synchronized skating at Franklin Park. Thank you to Judy, Chez, Sara, and Anita for making it such a friendly rink and for having the best coaches, from solo skaters to synchro teams to Panthers! A special thank you also to Dina, Anne, Carla, Stan, Melody, Alex, Vicki, Sharon, and Louise for everything you have done for Stephanie and Nicholas.
I have been on staff since 1995, and what I love about working here is that it feels like my second family. Generations of families come back with their children. I’ve seen many of these parents grow up and skate here, and now they are bringing their children to continue their journey at Franklin Park. It’s a full-circle moment!
President - Michael A. Vonesh
Vice President - Mark K. White
Treasurer - Susan E. O’Connell
Secretary - Joseph E. Zinga
Commissoner - AnneMarie Casas
Director of Parks & Recreation - Daniel LoCascio
Ice Arena Manager - Carla Deak
Hockey Director - Brandon Niedziela
Hockey Development & Arena Supervisor - Joe Schulz
Skating School Director - Anne Raucci
Ice Technician - Robb Fulara
Arena Supervisor - Matt Jakubowski
Superintendent of Finance & Technology - Stephanie Bersani
Superintendent of Parks - Nathan Wick
Superintendent of Recreation - Liz Visteen
Human Resource Manager - Maria Laskowski
Marketing & Communications Manager - Catherine Saponieri
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary want to express our deepest gratitude part of this incredible journey. From families, coaches, and staff, your have made this community what
To all who have shared memories or cheered from the stands, thank Arena a place where lifelong friendships take flight. This milestone wouldn’t and we look forward to many more unforgettable moments. Here’s to excellence, and memories that last
With gratitude, Franklin Park Ice Arena
anniversary of Franklin Park Ice Arena, we gratitude to everyone who has been a From skaters and hockey players to dedication, passion, and support what it is today. memories on the ice, volunteered their time, thank you for making Franklin Park Ice friendships are formed and dreams wouldn’t have been possible without you, more years of skating, laughter, and to another 50 years of community, last a lifetime!
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50th Anniversary Event Sponsored by: