A popular Baltimore ice skating rink has closed after city officials found problems with the building’s structure.
What’s Happening: Mimi DiPietro Skating Center is closed because Baltimore Recreation and Parks found concerns about the rink’s ammonia refrigeration system and structural integrity. If repairs work, the rink will only open briefly for the 2025-2026 season before closing for good due to its age and condition.
What’s Important: A damaged wall needs to be stabilized before the refrigeration system can be restarted to make ice. Work has started and will take about two weeks. The earliest the rink could reopen is late December 2025 or early January 2026.
Between the Lines: Several youth sports teams used the rink regularly. The Banners, Patterson Park Stars, Broom Ball, The Cardinals, and Boys Latin School ice hockey program all practiced there. Mount Pleasant Ice Arena will host the Banners and part of Boys Latin’s practice time. The Stars canceled their season, and Broom Ball and The Cardinals cannot use Mt. Pleasant while city officials explore other options.
The Big Picture: The rink has served the community for 39 years, but structural issues have existed since at least 1998.
A new ice rink would cost $5 million to $10 million. The city says it has reached the limits of what maintenance can support. The 2025-2026 season will be the final operating season before long-term closure. City leadership is considering funding models similar to those used for the Rowing Club, which relied heavily on private fundraising during the 1980s.
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