To the Owner of The Cooler and the City of Alpharetta,

We, the undersigned, urge you to reconsider the proposed conversion of The Cooler ice rink into pickleball courts. For 28 years, The Cooler has served as a vital hub for athletes and recreational skaters in our community, fostering a unique and thriving ice sports culture in the South.

The Cooler is home to the esteemed Atlanta Fire Hockey Club, which provides opportunities for children of all ages to develop their skills and compete at local, national, and even international levels. Currently, our Peewee team is proudly representing the Fire and Alpharetta, Georgia, in Quebec. This program is a source of immense pride for our community and provides invaluable experiences for our youth.

Furthermore, The Cooler supports an award-winning figure skating club, whose members have earned numerous championships and represented our community with distinction across the United States. This club provides a platform for aspiring figure skaters to hone their talents and achieve their dreams.

The Cooler is more than just an ice rink; it's a community gathering place. It provides a unique opportunity for Southerners to participate in ice sports, a rarity in our region. Taking away this ice rink would severely impact the entire Georgia hockey community, from the youngest players to the most seasoned competitors.

While pickleball courts are readily available in the surrounding area, ice rinks are a scarce and precious resource. Converting The Cooler would create a significant void for ice sports enthusiasts and deprive countless individuals of the chance to experience the joy and benefits of skating, hockey, and figure skating.

We understand the growing popularity of pickleball, but believe that alternative locations can be explored for its expansion without sacrificing this invaluable community asset. The loss of The Cooler would be a devastating blow to the athletes, families, and supporters who have cherished this ice rink for nearly three decades.

We implore you to prioritize the needs of the ice sports community and preserve The Cooler in its current form. Please sign this petition to demonstrate your support for keeping the ice and ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience the magic of The Cooler.

In addition to signing this petition, contact the local City Council of Alpharetta by email CityCouncilandMayor@alpharetta.ga.us or by phone 678-297-6000 to oppose the approval of the building permits.