I penned this Letter to the Editor to newspapers and media in Bremerton WA, and to the Kitsap and Seattle regions…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
September 6, 2022
Dear Editor –
September 6th is a cool, historic day in Bremerton and the entire Kitsap region. It is a milestone 20th Anniversary for the community.
On September 6, 2002 ground was broken on the region’s first ice arena in over 50 years. It was the “First jewel in a crown of revitalization” according to then Mayor Cary Bozeman. Bozeman was spot on, as can be illustrated by peeking at the Bremerton Waterfront today. Wow. When the ice arena was launched twenty years ago, downtown Bremerton was just a virtual parking lot!
At the time, I guaranteed there would be an NHL franchise in Seattle. Many people laughed! But here we are – The Seattle Kraken World is the newest, hottest region for the Great Game of hockey in the entire country. And yes indeed, Bremerton led the way!
I encourage all residents of Bremerton and Kitsap County to patronize Bremerton Ice Center in Manette.
The original mission in 2002 was having a safe and fun gathering place for the kids and community, and access to ice sports for everyone, including those with special needs and financial hardship. There was endless time, treasure and sacrifice made twenty years ago to bring the ice arena dream to reality. There is much history online about this cool facility, and I am featuring some fun videos and highlights of the rink on my YouTube Channel.
Whether a novice skater, experienced hockey player, or just to drop in and watch the fun, there is a program for everyone. The rink is located at 1950 Homer Jones and is on the web at bremertonice.com. Or, give the arena a call at 479-RINK.
Happy 20th Anniversary Bremerton! And have fun on the ice everyone!
It was built for you.
–GREG MEAKIN
Founder and original owner,
Bremerton Ice Arena
(now Bremerton Ice Center)
*Proud 30-year Kitsap resident, now living in sunny Arizona!
GregMeakin.com
YouTube Channel, Greg Meakin
(360) 340-3172
gregmeakin2020@gmail.com