Ice Obstacles Nothing New For Sarah Hughes

When it comes to overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges — especially involving ice — Sarah Hughes has a way of seeing them through.

On the heels of recently announced plans to transform the empty Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx into the world's largest indoor skating center, it seems the 2002 Olympic champion is again on the winning side of a hard fought victory involving some slippery twists and turns.

But tough odds are nothing new for Hughes — the only U.S. woman to win Olympic figure skating gold without previously winning a world or U.S. senior national title.

Now approved after years of deliberation with help from Hughes and New York Rangers star Mark Messier, the privately-funded $275 million Kingsbridge National Ice Center project will feature nine year-round indoor ice rinks, including a 5,000-seat feature rink for major ice hockey and skating events. A huge accomplishment for the city and skaters everywhere.

In her hometown of Great Neck Tuesday, Hughes reflected on the barriers involved and dedication needed that helped the KNIC development team through years of ongoing challenges.

"We were happy to talk about it and try to overcome ways to overcome these obstacles, still knowing that it was very unlikely that we would get the designation," said Hughes to Patch.

The development process involved endless meetings and hours of time spent by dedicated members of the development team without anyone knowing if any of the hard work would actually come to fruition, according to Hughes.

"I was very enthusiastic about the idea from the first time I heard about it," said Hughes. "It's been a huge privilege to be involved from the beginning and its been a great learning process." 

During the past decade, debate regarding usage of the space included plans for development ideas including an educational campus; a sports, retail and entertainment complex;community space including a gym, movie theater and  bank; and at least one big box retailer and a shopping mall design, according to a New York Daily News report. 

Ground breaking for the project is expected sometime next year with the first ice rink becoming operational by 2017, bringing life to a massive space which has been vacant since 1996 at 29 West Kingsbridge Rd.

Hughes joined New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the Kingsbridge Armory Tuesday, joined by KNIC Partners LLC Founder Kevin Parker, Messier, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., City Council Member Cabrera and  New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky.

Bloomberg said the construction of ice facility will create recreational opportunities for millions of visitors and local residents, and most importantly create hundreds of jobs for the local community. 

"This plan is proof that working together we can put aside our differences and do what’s best for the city,” said Bloomberg.

"For the mayor to come and speak an give his blessing was great," said Hughes.

When complete, the facility is expected to be open 365 days a year featuring a wellness center, with off-ice training fitness, rehabilitation and sports therapy programs; dressing rooms and lockers with storage for individual hockey equipment; concession space; retail space for ice sport goods; and parking for approximately 480 cars. 

It is expected that KNIC will draw more than 2 million visitors a year, vastly increasing the options of ice facilities in New York City, where there are currently only seven year-round ice rinks, none of which are located in the Bronx, according to the city.