San Fernando : Roller-Hockey Rink Opens in Pioneer Park

The city of San Fernando’s first roller hockey rink has opened in previously under-used Pioneer Park.

Built almost entirely with volunteer labor and donated construction materials, the rink, about 150 by 80 feet, features a resurfaced asphalt floor and wood frame topped with chain-link fencing to prevent the hockey puck from escaping.

The rink was built at the suggestion of City Councilman Ray Ojeda, who got the idea after chatting with in-line skaters playing hockey on city streets. The youths had nowhere to play an organized game out of the way of cars, they said.

Ojeda talked to representatives of local businesses and the San Fernando Police Assn., San Fernando Kiwanis Club and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Jeopardy program, all of whom agreed to contribute materials, labor or cash to build the rink.

It opened on Saturday with a demonstration hockey game between LAPD’s Jeopardy players and a youth team from Santa Clarita.

San Fernando recreation officials are seeking players between the ages of 7 and 14 as well as coaches and referees to organize an after-school hockey league at the rink.

League play, which will begin the week of Jan. 2, will last six to eight weeks, with some games played on weekdays and others on Saturdays, said Gwen Indermill, city recreation director. Registration will cost $50, with players expected to use their own equipment, although goalie gear will be provided by the league.

Pioneer Park is located at 828 N. Harding St., east of Glenoaks Boulevard. For more information, call (818) 898-1290.