San Mateo City Council votes to keep ice rink at Bridgepointe Shopping Center

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KGO) -- Supporters of the Bridgepointe Ice Center in San Mateo are rejoicing after their efforts to save it from being demolished were a success, but that doesn't mean it's reopening.

Dozens of people showed up for last night's city council meeting. The supporters have been fighting for the ice rink for three years and were thrilled with last night's unanimous decision. The rink cannot be changed into retail stores. The developer still says he will not open it as ice rink, but supporters are still excited about last night's victory.

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"It feels great, it's for the kids. It's not about us, we won for the kids. The kids now have a rink. It's not operating because the developer is not operating it. So, SPI Holdings, we want you to open the rink for our kids," said Dina Artzt, ice rink supporter.

SPI Holdings owns the shopping center. Executives say the ice rink is too expensive to maintain. It will look into offering other recreational activities there. The city's master plan requires some recreation be provided here.

The mayor said last night people still need to fight for this rink even though the city council voted to save it.