Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena

History:

For Nearly twenty years as City of Newark Parks and Recreation Director, Terry Frame established and improved the Newark Municipal Ice Rink. The Newark Municipal Ice Rink began in the early 1980's as an innovative idea to bring an outdoor ice-sheet to Newark from Pennsylvania, and was enclosed in the mid-1990's. Combining his vision and leadership with outside donations and limited internal funding, Terry always found necessary resources for each phase of construction. That ice-based recreation survived, and today we celebrate his vision and sincerely thank him for his dedication and determination.

Jack Vivian a respected ice industry veteran and area resident first urged Newark's leaders to improve their ice rink, and then, advised them on how to do it. In June 2005, City Council gave a green light to the Newark Ice Arena Renovation Project. In just six short months, nearly $1.2 million of cash & in-kind donations and a great deal of volunteer and professional labor have produced a multi-use, multi-season facility that our community can be proud of. The first game played in the newly renovated then Newark Ice Arena was played in late October when the Newark Generals JV team took on the PRPC Prowler. The Newark Ice Arena was renamed in December of 2006, Lou and Gib Reese Ice Arena, one small way of thanking the Reese family for their generous donation to the Newark Ice Arena Renovation Project.

2011: Denison University has donated an e-ceiling to assist in energy conservation.  The arena repainted the main support beams in anticipation of the  ceiling installation... it was completed in July of 2011.

2012: New glass in front of the bleachers is sponsored by individuals / families and  is recognized with a name plaque on their glass.

2013: NIHA sponsors helmets for the skaters to use during their skate time.

This facility has undergone a spectacular transformation! Its promising future is ensured by an innovative partnership, overseen by the non-profit Newark Sport and Event Commission, whose mission includes the following objectives:

 - To develop and encourage interest in skating as an affordable family recreational activity.
 - To create opportunities to learn how to skate and to pursue skating beyond the introductory level.
 - To provide a suitable environment for the training and competition of skaters and hockey players.
 - To enhance economic development & tourism by hosting competitions, tournaments, shows and events.