Rink

March/April 2020

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CHARLES M. SCHULZ GREW UP IN ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA . As a kid, Schulz grew up like many of his fellow state natives and skated on the cold, outdoor ice playing hockey. Schulz's passion for hockey contin- ued throughout his life, even when he became a world-renowned cartoonist for the Peanuts comic strip. That work eventually drew Schulz to Santa Rosa, California. It was there he built his production studios for his Peanuts ™ work and also built Snoopy's Home Ice. The facility opened in 1969 and remains standing more than 50 years later. It's become a destination for people around the world and continues to pay homage to Schulz and his famous gang of friends. Getting the Whole Gang Together After nearly a year of construction, this facility opened as the Redwood Empire Ice Arena on April 28, 1969. To celebrate this occasion, some big names were brought in to celebrate. There was 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist Peggy Fleming and the Vince Guaraldi trio. "He wanted to give the community a gathering place," said Gina Huntsinger, the general manager of Snoopy's Home Ice. A Swiss Chalet by the Bay Those who have been around or con- tinue to be involved with this facility are quick to point out the unique features of this rink. "It's not like any rinks they build any- more," Kevin McCool, ice operations manager, said. "There was a special detail to the aesthetic." That aesthetic is described by those around the rink as one you would see on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in Switzerland. It's known to look similar to a Swiss Chalet. With the facility sur- 14 / MARCH.APRIL.2020 USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: SNOOPY'S HOME ICE Featured Rink Snoopy's Home Ice | | Santa Rosa, Calif. After 50-plus Years, Snoopy's Home Ice Continues To Be a Northern California Mainstay // by RYAN WILLIAMSON IT'S THE GREAT HOCKEY RINK, CHARLIE BROWN

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