Project Total              $1,640,000
Raised to Date           $1,400,000
Funding to Complete    $240,000

The Plan The planned addition to the west end of the Memorial Sports Center will include four locker rooms, in-house bathrooms, a heated viewing area, concession stand, skate rental and retail space and a meeting room. The addition of commercial grade artificial turf surface for spring, summer and fall will encourage year round use of the facility.

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The Story: The Middlebury region has a strong history of responding to the needs of its community. The Memorial Sports Center tells an inspiring story about strong community spirit.
1971 The Middlebury Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) is established to manage and promote youth hockey in Addison County.
1978 Despite ice time generously donated by Middlebury College at the Duke Nelson Arena, MAHA starts to out grow the available ice time. After a failed bid by the town for a federal grant to build a multi-purpose recreation facility, MAHA takes a time out.
1979 Friends of Middlebury Hockey is established. Their goals: to provide financial assistance to promote youth hockey, and raise funds to build the rink.
1993 October 14 Governor Howard Dean cuts the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the Memorial Sports Center, a culmination of contributions from $1 to $100,000, countless volunteer hours,  "in kind" services and incredible community generosity.
1995 Unpredictable Vermont weather provides mild winter weeks and some challenges at the Memorial Sports Center. Soft spots on the ice are marked with old tires, so teams could keep playing. The "Ice It In 95" campaign was launched to fund a more stable and permanent artificial ice system. When the necessary $250,000 is raised, the Addison Independent heralds it as "a phenomenal success for the entire community."
2000 The Memorial Sports Center has taken on a life of its own. More than just a rink, it serves as host to trade shows, graduations, and is a meeting place for the entire community. The increased activity warrants continues improvements and operational upkeep. This time, the community demonstrates its support with the approval of a $200,000 municipal loan through the Friends of Middlebury Hockey. As a result of the generous gift  by Middlebury College of the dasher boards, bleachers, and zamboni, the installation of this equipment allows high school games to be played at the Memorial Sports Center  for the first time. Through generous donations from area businesses the zamboni/referee room is constructed.
2006 A dehumidification system is added from a gift by a long time resident improving the quality of  the ice and decreasing operating cost.