Planners to Discuss Construction of Roller Hockey Rink : Camarillo: The outdoor facility at Freedom Park, funded by private sources, would give youths who play the popular sport a place to compete.

Considering a plan that would lure hockey-playing youngsters off city streets, Camarillo planning commissioners tonight will discuss construction of a large roller hockey rink at Freedom Park.

The outdoor rink would be reserved for in-line roller hockey--a dry form of the sport played on ice, and one that is growing quickly on both amateur and professional levels, project backers said.

“We looked over the site, and it is perfectly suited for this kind of facility,” said Santa Monica attorney Robert Hawekotte. “We are talking about an already huge sport that is growing by leaps and bounds.”

Hawekotte said ground breaking on the 17,000-square-foot oval could come as early as January, with completion expected about 90 days later.

Bob Stallings, recreation superintendent for the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, said the rink would offer a safe environment for Camarillo roller hockey enthusiasts to play their sport.

“We’re very excited about this because it will expand our services and help get the kids playing this sport off the streets,” Stallings said. “And, it isn’t going to cost the district anything.”

Stallings said the project, headed by Hawekotte and his partner, Stephan Desjardins, a professional roller hockey player, would be 100% privately financed.

Officials estimated the first phase of the concrete rink--including lighting and a parking lot--would cost between $100,000 and $150,000. The rink would be constructed on a parcel next to Eubanks Street at Camarillo Airport. Future phases would include gallery seating and a pro shop, backers said.

While there are traditional skating rinks in the county, Desjardins said that none has been built exclusively for the new fast-moving sport.

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Desjardins plays for the Oakland Skates in the 24-team Roller Hockey International League.

“The game is played almost like ice hockey is, with the exception of a few different rules and some different rink markings,” Desjardins said. “I’d say the major difference is that you see higher scores in roller hockey, and it is generally played at a slightly faster pace.”

Backers said the facility would offer both organized league play and pickup games for all ages and experience levels. Admission fees have not yet been set.

Sporting goods retailers said sales of the blade-like skates, sticks and pucks have come to represent a significant part of their business since the sport began to grow a decade ago.

“I can tell you that if they build it, they will have little trouble packing the place,” said Jim Oswald, manager of Val Surf and Sport in Thousand Oaks.

During tonight’s meeting, planning commissioners will be asked to certify that the proposal is consistent with city planning codes. On Wednesday, park district directors are scheduled to be briefed on the proposal.