Public skating, skating lessons, ice hockey leagues, and a pro shop are all available at my three favorite ice rinks near Columbia, Maryland. All three rinks are entirely indoors and offer free parking. Right in Columbia is–you guessed it–The Columbia Ice Rink, a Columbia fixture for more than 40 years. Larger and more modernized facilities are available at Piney Orchard rink in nearby Odenton, Anne Arundel County, while the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Maryland is a truly huge and impressive multi-rink arena.
Here is the rundown on features and locations for each of these three ice skating rinks.
The Columbia Ice Rink
This is the oldest and smallest of the three rinks, but it is very convenient for those who live and/or work in Columbia. It also has sentimental value as one of the first recreational facilities built in the new town. It is operated by the Columbia Association and admission is included in CA package plan membership. Non-members are also welcome, for a fee. The rink lighting is a bit on the dim side and the public areas for changing into skates not overly large.
Location: in the Oakland Mills Village Center; parking adequate but not vast
Address: 5876 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia, MD 21045
Features: Skate rental, pro shop, snack bar
Activities: Public skating, skating lessons, Howard Huskies youth hockey league, Columbia Figure Skating Club which puts on skating shows including children and adults
For More Information: 410-730-0322 or send e-mail to [email protected]
The Gardens Ice House
Large and modern, open year round, the Gardens Ice House tag line is: “Where Skating’s Always in Season.” It is also the practice site for the Washington Capitals. It offers a full range of skating activities in a bright well-maintained facility. It boasts three rinks and a curling area.
Location: Easy to reach from Baltimore or Washington via I-95
Address: 13800 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel, MD 20707
Features: Skate rental, pro shop, Ice Breaker Cafe, arcade games, plentiful parking
Activities: Public skating, skating lessons for all ages, extensive hockey leagues, special events
For More Information: 301-953-0100 or www.gardensicehouse.com
Piney Orchard Ice Arena
Like Columbia, Piney Orchard is a single rink. It is more up to date than Columbia, having been built in 1991. The Capitals used to practice here. The location is a bit more out of the way, in a mainly residential area not too close to main arteries. It has all the basics needed in an ice rink, but seems somewhat generic.
Location: In Anne Arundel County
Address: 8781 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton, MD 21113
Features: Skate rental, pro shop, snack bar
Activities: Public skating, skating lessons, skating shows, hockey practices
For More Information: 410-672-7013 or www.pineyicerink.com
Nancy Miller has spent many long hours in Columbia area ice rinks as a hockey mom and figure skating fan.
