Melting Hearts and Forging Community

Santa Barbara is hardly a winter wonderland where people gather on a frozen lake to frolic on ice skates during the Christmas holidays. But that didn’t stop Jack Norqual, who grew up in Minnesota playing hockey, and still does, into his 80s. He is one of the leading founders of Ice in Paradise, Santa Barbara’s ice skating facility, which stands as a testament to what vision, determination, and community support can achieve together.

The story began in 2004 when Norqual, now Chairman of the Board Emeritus, recognized a glaring gap in Santa Barbara’s recreational landscape. “We had no ice rink in our community,” Norqual reflects. “Young people with dreams of hockey or figure skating had nowhere to develop their skills locally.” What started as an ambitious $10 million fundraising goal became a decade-long labor of love that weathered economic storms and personal sacrifice.

Today, the facility serves as more than just a skating rink – it is a beloved cornerstone of the community and a launching pad for dreams. “It has been remarkable,” says Andrew Messick, Board Treasurer and head of the finance committee. “We’ve seen the emergence of adult and youth hockey and skating culture here in town because of the creation of a proper training and playing facility. The social and skill-building aspects of skating and hockey create lasting bonds and discipline that extends far beyond the ice.”

The rink’s impact resonates throughout families across Santa Barbara. Dodie Smith-McBroom, Development Director, brings a personal perspective to her role, having witnessed firsthand how the facility enriched her own children’s lives. “Ice in Paradise has provided a supportive community for athletes of all ages and skill levels,” she explains. “It’s not just about the sport – it’s about building character, friendships, and a sense of belonging.”

As Ice in Paradise celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the organization faces both exciting opportunities and financial challenges. With approximately $4 million in debt remaining and annual operating costs requiring $400,000-$500,000 in additional funding, the leadership team launched an ambitious fundraising campaign, targeting four critical areas: keeping programs affordable for all families, essential infrastructure improvements, expanded youth programs, and necessary capital improvements.

“Our long-term vision is to make the rink accessible to all children who want to skate or play hockey regardless of family income,” Messick emphasizes. “We want to ensure that talent and passion, rather than financial circumstances, determine who gets to pursue their skating dreams.” The organization already operates scholarship programs for youth hockey, but demand continues to outpace available resources.