As a life-long resident and active figure skater in Las Cruces, I have personally experienced the inconvenience and missed opportunities caused by the lack of an ice rink in our city. Our community is filled with people who would enjoy the benefits of ice skating if it were readily available. Ice skating serves not only as a fun recreational activity but also a chance to cultivate talent, fitness, performing arts, and the spirit of engagement.

Currently, the nearest ice rink is over an hour away. This distance puts unnecessary stress on those who simply want to experience the joy of ice skating, or those like me who wish to develop their skills in this sport. It also hinders potential local skaters from unveiling their true potentials. Research states that in cities with readily available skating rinks, involvement in the sport, and residents' overall fitness levels tend to be higher (Source: Skating Society of America).

By establishing an ice rink in Las Cruces, we can foster stronger community bonds, provide a local hub for health and wellness, and offer a unique opportunity for our youths to discover and pursue figure skating and/or hockey. Most importantly, it would gift the people of our city with an additional recreational activity to enjoy together.

Let's come together as a community to voice our desire for an ice rink in Las Cruces. By signing this petition, we send a strong message to our local government about the importance of widening recreational opportunities within our city. Please sign our petition and help bring an ice rink to Las Cruces.