Macomb Today

Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-Macomb Township) is inviting Michigan residents to join him in asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to allow ice arenas to be reopened.

Over 4,700 Michigan residents signed the letter, which was received by Whitmer’s office on Aug. 17, according to MiSenateGOP.

“I sent a letter to the governor’s office asking her to listen to those who continue to be negatively affected by the lockdown about their plans to safely reopen ice arenas, but I was disappointed to receive a form letter that didn’t commit to hearing their plans and didn’t address any of the points raised in the letter,” MacDonald said, according to MiSenateGOP. “I decided to offer people to cosign on to my letter to show the broad support for allowing ice arenas to reopen in a safe, sensible and responsible manner. We received a tremendous amount of support, and on Monday we delivered 4,701 cosigned letters to the governor. My hope is they receive a better response.”

Sen. Michael MacDonald | #MiSenateGOP

In the letter, MacDonald points out that ice arenas have been closed for more than five months, which means they have little to no emergency funds left. Other businesses have been allowed to reopen, and the same should be done for ice arenas -- or the damage may be irreplaceable, MacDonald states. 

Skating can also be done safely, according to MacDonald's letter. Figure skating is an individual sport, which can easily accommodate social distancing. Ice hockey can also be played safely, since all players already wear face shields, mouth guards and gloves. 

“Ice arenas are very large and can safely and sensibly reopen at limited capacity. If casinos can operate at 15%, then why can’t ice arenas? That would equate to over 500 people in an average arena building,” MacDonald told MiSenateGOP. “Many other states have had great success in their safe reopening. It’s not just about supporting small businesses; these facilities — and the sports and hobbies they provide — are part of many Michiganders’ lives. Access to these activities during these challenging and difficult times is also good for people’s physical and mental health.”