Who We Are

Did you catch a glimpse of our new WHO WE ARE display case?

As you walk through the front doors of Ice in Paradise, a new display case might have caught your eye. Affixed to the top of this case reads a small plaque, WHO WE ARE and if you walk closer to examine the contents displayed, you’ll see a helmet and shovel from the Groundbreaking, a photo of the Ribbon Cutting, and descriptions of these captured memories in time among others.

Each one of these artifacts and snapshots hold special significance to Ice in Paradise. 

Groundbreaking

On Thursday, November 20, 2014, Board Members of the Greater Santa Barbara Ice Skating Association (GSBISA) and people from the City of Goleta, donned safety helmets and grabbed an engraved shovel and made history. Crowds came and joined to celebrate the long-awaited moment that signified that construction was about to start on the future site of Ice in Paradise. You can see one of the helmets and shovels used that day in the display case. 

Ribbon Cutting 

The Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, October 10, 2015 signified Ice in Paradise finally opening to the public! Goleta City Councilman, Michael Bennett cuts the ribbon as he's joined by Luc Robitaille holding the ceremonial scissors, Jack Norqual, the Campaign Chairman by the podium, and Ed Snider, a long-time supporter and donor for the rink, giving an approving thumbs up.

Long-time Supporters 

There were those who supported the notion of bringing an ice rink to the American Riviera long before the Groundbreaking and the Ribbon Cutting. What started as a dream, was made into a reality with the support of Jack Norqual, Board Chairman Emeritus and his wife Gretchen Norqual, along with Michael Towbes and Ed Snider. You might recognize their names as they can be seen around the rink in recognition of their generous contributions to Ice in Paradise. 

To learn more about the history of Ice in Paradise, visit our Celebrating 10 Year page on our website and check out our The Legacy Lookback page.