YORKTOWN — Chilled Ponds at Yorktown marked the completion of a $2 million renovation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its 34,000-square-foot facility on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Owner Patrick Cavanagh, alongside Board of Supervisors Chairman Stephen Roane, officially reopened the location at 401 Village Ave. formerly known as the Hampton Roads Iceplex. In addition to youth and hockey leagues, the facility hosts public skating, learn-to-skate programs, and events.
The space also features a new restaurant and brewery — Smokehouse and Capstan Brewing — owned by Kevin and Carolyn Russell and offering a variety of dining options, including award-winning barbecue and handcrafted beer.
York County Public Affairs notes earlier this year, Chilled Ponds was honored with York County’s Distinguished Business Award for its growth and investment in the community.
“Chilled Ponds at Yorktown serves a unique role here and has become a destination in its own right, not to mention the many ways it gives back to the community,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director of Economic and Tourism Development for York County. “With its recent renovations and expanded programs, it has brought so many assets to the County. This is a perfect example of what can happen when businesses, government agencies, and the community work together.”
When the Hampton Roads Iceplex facility became available for purchase last February, Patrick Cavanagh seized the opportunity.
“It was a natural chance to buy it and the ideal way to share it with the community,” said Cavanagh. “As soon as we closed the sale, we dove straight into renovations, which continued through February 2024.”
New Features
Ice Rink:
- Revamped viewing areas
- Improved ice surface temperature controls
- Full ceiling replacement with a low-emissivity coating to prevent condensation
- Enhanced lighting focused on the ice surface for better visibility during events and shows
Comfort & Aesthetics:
- Larger windows and improved viewing areas for spectators
- A refreshed lobby with new furniture and ambiance
- A full-service bar and grill offering a range of healthy and entertainment options
Outdoor Enjoyment
The facility’s location beside a lake has been transformed into an outdoor space, offering a clear view of the lake and a space for gatherings.
Cavanagh told the county the community has responded enthusiastically to the improvements.
“For our customers, the enhanced rink quality and upgraded lobby have been a hit,” Cavanagh said. “It evokes a strong emotional response, especially from those who have been visiting for years.”
Cavanagh views Chilled Ponds as a community service, a sentiment the county said is shared by its leadership.
“My experience with York County officials has been five stars,” he noted. “They understand the importance of the facility to the community and have supported our efforts to expand and grow it.”
Longtime staff members, including managers Liz Varva and John Smith, and Director of Operations Brad Jones, were instrumental in merging programs and completing plans ahead of schedule, the county said, adding Langley Federal Credit Union also played a key role as the facility’s naming rights partner, helping to make the renovations possible.
Chilled Ponds offers free skate sessions and trial lessons in ice hockey and figure skating, in partnership with York County. Cavanagh, who also owns the Norfolk Admirals hockey team, plans to involve team members in leading learn-to-play programs.
Chilled Ponds plans to introduce new offerings for families, including camps, tournaments, and competitions, many of which were previously only available at its Chesapeake location. The facility also plans to bring back its popular “Winter Wonderland” program for toddlers during the winter holiday season.
Yorktown Admirals
York County said it also is joining the Norfolk Admirals’ 2024-25 City Series initiative. The Admirals will honor the city of Yorktown on Feb. 22 as they face the Maine Mariners when the team will transform into the Yorktown Admirals at Scope Arena in Norfolk. The first-ever Yorktown Admirals jersey design was revealed during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Residents can purchase tickets for the event at a 20% discount.
“York County is thrilled to join the Norfolk Admirals’ City Series Initiative,” mentioned Olsen-Hayes. “The timing couldn’t be better — as 2026 marks the United States’ 250th anniversary, we’ll proudly welcome a fleet of tall ships to our Sail Yorktown Festival in June 2026 as an official SailVirginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, showcased in Yorktown’s own City Series logo.”
