Commercial Ice Rink Options

• About Us
• Philosophy and Methods
• List of Services
  • Phase 1: Pre-Planning
  • Phase 2: Feasibility & Business Plan
  • Phase 3: Construction Services
  • Phase 4: Employee Training, Orientation, Procedures, Policies
  • Equipment Appraisals
  • Existing System System Problem Diagnostics & Reports
  • Arena Energy Studies & Recommendations
  • Snow Park Ice Slide & Winder Carnival Design
  • Arena Management Services
• Project Experience
• Team Qualifications
• Project Pictures
• Contact Us

Team Qualifications

John S. Burley

John Burley has over 25 years experience with arena design, manufacturing, and installation. He was the instrumental force behind the growth and development of Burley’s Rink Supply, Inc. from 1984 to 2004 to sales exceeding 9 million dollars annually and with over 125 employees. Over this tenure he was directly involved with over 650 rink installations worldwide and has received more new ice rink patents than any other single person. He also designed and built the Burley manufacturing complex and Planet Ice complex before selling the business in 2004. This 100,000 square foot complex featured some of the latest technology for its time when built in the year 2000.

John has written numerous industry papers regarding building and ice rink design aspects in addition to being a pioneer with energy conservation technologies. He also has an in-depth working knowledge of construction administration, construction law, accounting, building design, and ice rink design and manufacturing.

Over his tenure he has had the opportunity to gather a prestigious client list such as the President of the United States, the Goodwill Games, the Asian Games, all of the major hockey leagues, including installation from private home rinks, to the largest arena facilities.

John maintains and is the primary contributor to ArenaWatch.org, a non-profit ice rink industry news and design resource for designers, builders, and operators. He also has produced an extensive list of instructional design videos which take a builder through all of the unique elements of arena design.

Accomplishments:

With the support of the most esteemed coworkers at the time, development and design for products such as:

• Porta-Pipe Portable rink piping system
• Perma-Pipe permanent sand base mat system
• TurboChiller High performance rink chiller (of its day)
• Instrumental with development of the TurboChiller Graphic Microprocessor system.
• BatterBoard pultruded fiberglass in-line dasherboards
• Steel & aluminum framed dasher board systems
• Dasherflex safety feature
• Fast-Freeze concrete rink floor system
• The adhesive floor system design
• Design and construction of the former Burley plant and Planet Ice complex.
• Direct involvement with over 650 rink projects worldwide
• Drafted numerous written/published papers about ice rink design
• Created numerous ice rink design training videos showing arena construction for new developers

Patents & Trademarks:

Memberships & Awards:

• NEISMA Membership
• Ice Skating Institute Membership
• OREA Membership
• Governor's Small Business Exporter of the Year 1994
• Governor’s Honorable Mention Award 1995

Mike Sanderson - Arena management and Operations Specialist

Mike Sanderson has been working actively in the ice arena industry since 1979 were he began in the ground roots operations of the Tandy Center Ice Rink in Fort Worth Texas where he quickly became and served as assistant manager. Since his start to the present day, Mike has been active full time in the arena industry assuming a greater role in management and operations for numerous complexes and projects after his 11 successful years working for the Tandy Corporation operating their state-of-the-art arena complex.

Future projects included a consulting/manger's role for the Dallas Cowboys North Texas Ice Arena, working with VSC (Valley Sports Consultants) for their Van Nuys, and Pasadena California Complexes, Polar Ice Entertainment, consultant to Frost Bank for the Blueline Twin Ice Rink Complex, ownership and management of the Ridge Lea Ice Rink, and an assortment of consulting and industry support activities over this 20 plus years of industry experience. Mikes experience covers all spectrums of an ice rinks operational duties and he is proficient in establishing systems, training, and procedures for arena staff enabling them to excel in their duties.

Mike has a Bachelors degree in business administration and is supported by a solid reputation in the ice skating industry. He is an active member of the Professional Skaters Association, North East Ice Skating Manger’s Association often holding prestigious board positions on accredited associations such as the Ice Skating Institute, and the Ice Skating Institute of which Mike has been an active board member over the years.

Professional Experience

11/04 to present - Ridglea Entertainment, Inc. dba Ridglea Iceland Fort Worth, TX Vice-President/Owner/Acting General Manager Operate single sheet ice rink in west Fort Worth Consultant for rink construction and operation projects in Texarkana, Hot Springs, Tucson, and Irmo (S.C.)

03/03 to present - Blue Line Ice Complex/Frost Bank North Richland Hills, TX General Manager

• Manage and market multi-use facility with 3 full size ice sheets including a 2,300 seat arena
• Schedule all activities within facility
• Supervise management and operation of a NAHL Junior A Hockey Franchise
• Schedule & supervise 55 employees, including teaching staff
• Maintain computer records of sales, skating school enrollment, and correspondence
• Maintain ice surface and resurfacing equipment
• Prepare daily and monthly sales reports for $2.8 million annual business
• Prepare and install in-ice artwork
• Supervise retail outlet
• Coordinate all maintenance with Operations Manager
• Train & supervise staff in first aid procedures
• Maintain & repair rental and customer skates
• Produce holiday ice shows

Organization Memberships

• Professional Skaters Association (PSA)
• North East Ice Skating Managers Association
• Associate Member- Ice Skating Institute
• Professional Association of Dive Instructors

Dale Rossetti: Arena Management and Operations Specialist

Summary of Qualifications:

Dale Rossetti has been working in the management and operations of ice skating rinks since the mid 80’s when he got his start. Since his start, Dale has demonstrated proven skills and career success in general management including facilities operations, project management, and construction development.

Dale is an expert in establish operating procedures and problem solving for ice rink operators who require the knowledge and support for profit making operations. Helps owners and managers develop the procedures, policies, and skill sets to develop a properly trained and motivated staff in an atmosphere of entrepreneurship, exceptional customer service, and success for all through profitable operations. Provides proven methods to maximize revenues without being distracted by special interest groups which deter from profitable, smart business operation. Partial Client List includes facilities in Norwich, England; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Rockledge, FL; Orlando FL; Altoona, PA: Pittsburgh, PA (The Rink at PPG) Moon Township, PA (Robert Morris University).

Professional Experience

2003-Present Soffer Organization SouthSide Works - Pittsburgh, PA - Operations Manager

Coordinate and direct day-to-day operations of the 34-acre, $300 million Southside Works development, including The Flats at SouthSide Works, a residential urban living complex consisting of 84 upscale flat and loft-style apartments, 675,000 sq/ft of Class A office space, retail shops, and a 10-screen cinema.

Coordinate all new construction staging. Determine all needed repairs, maintenance, landscaping and improvements for the entire SouthSide Works Property. Establish project priorities and assign work orders. Document departmental activity, and establish preventive maintenance programs for all buildings and equipment owned and operated by the Southside Works.

1998–2003 The Hillman Company-Island Sports Center Pittsburgh, PA Director of Operations

On-site construction responsibilities including sign-off of contractor punch lists for 32 acre sports complex with two open-air sport courts, two indoor ice skating arenas with seating for over 1400, restaurant, fitness center, pro shop, café, multi-sports dome, 18-hole miniature golf course, fitness center, meeting and banquet rooms.

Assisted owners with design, layout, and construction of three 65,000 sq/ft recreational facilities with six ice surfaces. This included selecting contractors and coordinating carpenters, electricians, painters, etc. to adhere to construction deadlines.

Managed day to day operations and business administration of all 3 facilities located in Harmar, Warrendale, and Bethel Park, PA. Duties required hiring, training, and supervising 120 employees, including managers and professional staff, oversight of three pro shops and food concessions, the development and implementation of operating budgets, cash controls, daily reports, customer rental contracts, vendor contracts, and oversight of all facility and equipment maintenance including HVAC.

Jeff Scherick

Ice Slide and Snow Park/ Winter Carnival Specialist

Jeff Sherick brings his extensive experience in the design and construction of slides and parks to the IRCC team. He has been in the slide business more than thirty years. He has designed and constructed hundreds of Alpine Slides and water slides, from mold design, ride layout, ride gradients and velocities, to turnkey construction services. This experience includes work on body slides, speed slides, inner tube rides, and raft rides.

Jeff has always taken a “safety is first and foremost” in the design process. He systems incorporate an operator controlled dispatch system, allowing the operator to directly control the dispatch of all tubes. Unloading of tubes at the bottom of the Ice Slide is also designed with safety in mind. Guests stop within an unloading area, easily stepping out of the track onto a non-skid surface. At this point, the next riders are dispatched, eliminating the possibility of collisions in the unloading zone.

Our extensive design experience and our investment in building full scale prototype rides provides us with the experience needed to design high energy rides without compromising safety. We can create a variety of ride sensations that include speed, a feeling of 0 G¹s, and exciting vertical drops, while still maintaining a gradual slow down/stopping area.