By City Manager Ken Striplin
There is an unmistakable sense of excitement building in Santa Clarita as construction for The Rink Sports Pavilion, the City’s new roller-skating facility, continues to make great progress. This long-awaited project represents more than a new recreation venue; it reflects our City’s commitment to creating inclusive, active and family-friendly spaces for all residents to enjoy.
The George A. Carvalho Sports Complex, where The Rink is being built, is already a bustling spot in our City. It is home to the Aquatic Center, Santa Clarita Skate Park, Canine Country Dog Park, The Centre, Santa Clarita Sports Complex and the Bike Park of Santa Clarita.
The Rink broke ground back in fall of 2024 and when it is completed in summer 2026, this one-of-a-kind facility will bring new opportunities for recreation, youth programs and community events. The 25,000-square-foot pavilion will feature a 12,000-square-foot skating surface that can transform into a multisport arena with a full-sized basketball court, three pickleball courts, a volleyball overlay and stadium seating. Beyond sports, this versatile space will accommodate birthday parties, special events and community gatherings, with features like a commercial kitchen, a DJ booth and dining areas, making The Rink a hub for celebration and play.
Many residents may remember when roller skating was the highlight of the weekend — and some might even recall the beloved Saugus Rollerama, once located on the west side of Bouquet Canyon Road. During the pandemic, roller skating rolled back into the spotlight as residents searched for safe, outdoor ways to stay active. Groups like the Skating Mamas of SCV brought new life to the sport, meeting up at Central Park and inspiring a whole new generation of skaters. Now, we’re excited to take the next step by creating a permanent home for roller skating in Santa Clarita — a place where fresh memories will be made and the joy of skating can continue for years to come.
Projects like The Rink are made possible by the City Council’s ongoing vision for a thriving and connected community. Over the years, Santa Clarita has continued to invest in recreation and infrastructure, from The Cube – Ice and Entertainment Center powered by FivePoint Valencia, our award-winning ice rink, to our network of parks, trails and community centers. The Rink Sports Pavilion builds on this legacy and ensures that residents have even more opportunities to stay active.
As construction continues, I encourage our community to stay tuned for updates and share in the anticipation of what is to come. To follow the progress at The Rink, visit our social media pages at @CityOfSantaClarita and our Spanish-language pages at @CiudadDeSantaClarita.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
