September 15, 2025
Unfortunately, Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena will not be operating the Fort Dupont Ice Arena for the 2025-26 season. The installed dehumidification system cannot control the rink’s environment in a way that would allow us to operate the facility safely. There are other operational deficiencies that must be addressed, as well. We cannot confidently give a date when the rink will have safe ice. We hope to resume operations next season. In the meantime, we will continue our mission of serving the community through our Kids On Ice® (KOI) programs at Canal Park in the upcoming season.
Please contact the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation with any questions about Fort Dupont Ice Arena.
Timeline
September 9, 2025 – FFDIA meets with representatives from DGS, DPR, the general contractor and subcontractors and learns that deficiencies with the dehumidification system were noted on August 15, 2025 when it was initially brought online. After more than two weeks of repairs, DGS learned that the dehumidification unit was manufactured with incorrect parts and would need to be rebuilt on site, a process that will take about 6 weeks.
September 2 – 8, 2025 – FFDIA staff build a test sheet of ice and observe and record temperature, relative humidity and dew point values throughout the building. Significant condensation was observed in the ice rink area after two rain events between 9/4 and 9/7.
August 26, 2025 – FFDIA meets with representatives from DGS, DPR, the general contractor and subcontractors to discuss the operational plan for creating test ice staring on August 27th. DGS instructs FFDIA to delay making ice until after Labor Day.
August 22, 2025 – DGS turns on chillers to allow FFDIA staff to create a test sheet of ice to observe how the building’s systems respond in operational mode (with ice in place); DGS confirms that FFDIA may start making ice on August 27th.
August 14, 2025 – FFDIA meets with District representatives to learn about options for addressing humidity issues in the rink
August 13, 2025 – FFDIA issues official statement urging District officials to act quickly to resolve issues and prevent any delay to the start of programming in September
August 5, 2025 – FFDIA notifies District officials of inability to accept occupancy due to building being uninsurable
August 5, 2025 – FFDIA receives notice of denial of insurance coverage due to unacceptable liability caused by excess humidity
August 4, 2025 – DGS informs FFDIA that the final certificate of occupancy was issued, that DPR would deliver the building to FFDIA by the end of the week and that HVAC work to address ongoing humidity issues would continue indefinitely.
July 31, 2025 – FFDIA staff complete a walk-through with DGS and DPR staff in anticipation of taking occupancy the following week. FFDIA staff note that temperatures and humidity levels are higher than expected, especially in locker rooms adjacent to the rink area.
July 8, 2025 – FFDIA updated by DGS on continuing challenges with humidity control
June 26, 2025 – original date for expected final completion (missed due to HVAC/humidity issues)
June 24, 2025 – DGS informs FFDIA of issues with uncontrolled humidity in the new rink building
June 20, 2025 – significant issues with condensation on walls, floors and vents noted by DGS