North Houston’s First Community-Owned Ice Rink Takes a Major Step Forward, Bringing New Opportunities for Families Across the Region
For thousands of families across North Houston, participating in ice sports often means spending hours in traffic just to reach a rink. That reality could soon begin to change.
The Houston Hockey Community (HHC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to making hockey and skating more accessible and affordable, has officially secured land for the proposed North Houston Ice Rink, a community-owned facility planned near Interstate 45 that supporters hope will become a long-term home for hockey, figure skating, recreational skating, sled hockey, curling, and other ice-based programs.
Located at 232 Barren Springs Drive in Houston, adjacent to the recently acquired HHC Houston Premier Sportsplex, the project represents one of the most ambitious community sports initiatives currently underway in the Greater Houston area.
For residents in Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, and surrounding communities, the proposed rink could significantly reduce travel times while expanding access to youth sports, recreational activities, and family programming.
Why This Matters for North Houston Families
Houston may be America's fourth-largest city, but local hockey advocates say access to ice facilities remains surprisingly limited.
According to Houston Hockey Community, the region may be left with only seven sheets of ice after July 2026, with most facilities concentrated on the southwest side of the metropolitan area. Over the past 13 years, two privately owned rinks have either closed or are scheduled to close, creating additional challenges for players, coaches, families, and local programs.
Each closure creates ripple effects throughout the community.
Families lose nearby access to sports and recreation. Youth programs face enrollment caps or cancellations. Coaches struggle to secure practice time. New players encounter additional barriers to entry.
Supporters of the North Houston Ice Rink believe a community-owned model offers a different path forward.
"The North Houston Ice Rink is the ideal site for Houston’s next community ice facility," project leaders state. "Located off I-45, the Barren Springs property offers the space, access, and visibility needed for a full-scale rink and supporting amenities."
Building Houston’s First Community-Owned Ice Rink
While Houston has had privately operated ice facilities for decades, organizers say the city has never had a rink owned by the community it serves.
That distinction is at the heart of the project.
Founded in 2023, Houston Hockey Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on making hockey and skating accessible, affordable, and inclusive for families throughout Greater Houston. Its mission extends beyond traditional ice hockey to include roller hockey, ball hockey, youth development programs, equipment assistance, scholarships, and community outreach.
The organization believes sports can help build confidence, foster friendships, strengthen neighborhoods, and create opportunities for children and adults who may otherwise never have access to the game.
The nonprofit's impact has already been substantial. HHC reports serving more than 1,500 youth participants, engaging more than 1,200 adults, donating hundreds of pieces of equipment, supporting scholarships, and reaching thousands of families through more than 50 annual programs.
One example is its ongoing partnership with Ice at the Galleria through the Tim Hortons Timbits Hockey Program, which introduces children ages 3 to 9 to skating and hockey in a supportive environment focused on fun, teamwork, and confidence-building rather than competition.
A Vision Beyond Hockey
Although hockey remains a central focus, organizers envision the North Houston Ice Rink as a multi-use community asset.
The facility would create opportunities for:
- Youth and adult hockey programs
- Figure skating
- Public skating sessions
- Learn-to-skate classes
- Sled hockey programs for athletes with disabilities
- Curling
- Community events and recreational programming
The proposed location also complements the nearby HHC Houston Premier Sportsplex, which already supports inline hockey, ball hockey, lacrosse, roller derby, and other community sports.
For many local families, that could mean access to an entire ecosystem of sports and recreation opportunities within the same area.
The Leadership Behind the Project
Helping guide the initiative is Rory M. Tolunay, SHRM-CP, Board Chair and Director of Rink Development & Community Growth for Houston Hockey Community.
Tolunay brings both professional expertise and personal passion to the project. As Vice President of Tolunay Engineering Group, he has spent more than a decade leading geotechnical engineering projects throughout Texas, helping develop infrastructure that serves communities statewide.
Away from work, he is a dedicated ice and roller hockey goalie who plays multiple nights each week and has become a familiar face in rinks across the Houston region.
The Next 90 Days Are Critical
While securing the land marks a significant milestone, supporters emphasize that the project's future now depends on community participation.
Houston Hockey Community has entered into a purchase agreement for the property and is seeking to raise $1.2 million within the next 90 days. According to organizers, reaching that target would allow the project to leverage grants, matching funds, sponsorships, and additional investment that could ultimately transform the effort into an estimated $12 million community facility.
Fundraising opportunities include tax-deductible donations, sponsorships, capital campaign participation, investor introductions, and grant connections.
Naming-rights opportunities are also available for major facility components, including locker rooms, training areas, rink boards, and public spaces.
What Happens Next
If fundraising goals are achieved and development proceeds as planned, organizers estimate the North Houston Ice Rink could open within approximately 12 to 18 months after project kickoff, with hopes of welcoming its first skaters by the end of 2027.
For a region that continues to grow rapidly, supporters see the project as more than a sports facility.
They see a gathering place where children can learn new skills, families can spend time together, athletes can pursue their passions, and newcomers can discover a sense of belonging.
As Houston Hockey Community's Founders Campaign describes it, the goal is to create a place "where families gather, beginners feel welcome, and Houston’s next generation discovers the joy, confidence, and friendships that ice sports create."
Whether through donations, sponsorships, volunteer efforts, or simply spreading the word, the coming months will determine whether North Houston's long-awaited community-owned ice rink moves from vision to reality.
Residents interested in learning more or supporting the project can contact Houston Hockey Community at northhoustonicerink@gmail.com.
As the fundraising campaign continues, many local families will be watching closely to see whether a vacant piece of land off I-45 can become a lasting home for skating, hockey, and community connection in North Houston.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.