Dear Supporters of Fort Dupont Ice Arena, On May 22, 2013, the DC City Council will be voting on the 2014-2015 city budget. This is an important budget for FDIA as the proposed budget includes $15 million for the construction of a new two-sheet ice facility to be operated by the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. As you know, the current Fort Dupont Ice Arena is showing its age. It was originally constructed in 1976 in celebration of the US Bicentennial and was originally operated by the National Park Service. Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena 501(c) 3 rescued the building from closure in 1996 and has been operating the building and programs since. A new two-sheet ice facility will greatly benefit the Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena as well as those organizations that call our rink home. It will allow us to expand our Kids On Ice® programs that provide nearly 7,000 children with free or subsidized skating opportunities. It will also create opportunities to grow our current partnerships and develop new relationships within the community. Please show your support of this budget item and Fort Dupont Ice Arena by signing this online petition.