Ice Arena turns 10

By Ray Pitz

The Sherwood Gazette, Jun 26, 2010

Ray Pitz / Sherwood Gazette

CELEBRATING A DECADE — Sherwood Ice Arena will celebrate 10 years in business on July 10 with several special events planned. The arena sees an estimated 1,200 people walk through its doors each week including up to 700 hockey players.

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One of Sherwood’s largest and most unique recreational facilities is about to celebrate a decade in the business.

In July, the Sherwood Ice Arena, dubbed “the coolest place in town,” turns 10.

While business at the 200-by-85-foot rink was fairly slow during its first five years, it has grown steadily since, said Michael Ford, ice arena general manager for the last two years. The facility, located at 20407 S.W. Borchers Drive, has 20 employees on its payroll with another 20 who serve as coaches and referees.

“I’m personally excited to work here and be the executive director for the owners,” said Ford. “It’s really the hardest job I’ve ever had but the most rewarding.”

The owners of the arena are Tigard residents Jan and Brent Birkemeier and Steve and Denise Prince.

Most days, residents can see figure skaters on the ice as early as 5 a.m.

Initially housing only the ice arena, the facility now has nine other businesses located on the upper floor of the building.

And although you won’t find any speed skating or curling teams roaming the ice, the arena boasts the largest adult hockey program in the state.

“I’ve got 54 teams,” said Ford. “I have roughly 650 to 700 individuals who play on those teams.”

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