Ice Arena

The Bowie Ice Arena has received several inquiries as a result of a news report about air quality at indoor ice arenas.  Specifically the national news story highlighted possible dangers associated with exposure to elevated carbon monoxide levels because of the use of ice resurfacers and other equipment used to maintain the ice.

We wish to assure all patrons of the Bowie Ice Arena that the air in our facility is safe.  It was tested by the Prince George’s County Fire Department this morning and is constantly monitored by carbon monoxide detectors in the building.  Both today’s test and the ongoing monitoring show levels well below what is considered to be safe and acceptable.   If the level in the building were ever to exceed safe limits, alarms would automatically sound, the Fire Department would be contacted and the building would be immediately evacuated.

Fuel powered equipment does create some carbon monoxide emissions. Inadequate ventilation, poorly maintained equipment and high humidity levels can exacerbate the problem and contribute to poor air quality in some ice arenas.  That is not the case at the Bowie Ice Arena. Our facility operates two propane fueled ice resurfacers manufactured by Zamboni.  These machines are well maintained and have filtration systems that help to reduce emissions. The Bowie Ice Arena also operates a HVAC system that allows for the sufficient amounts of outside air to be brought into the facility and circulated throughout the building.  Temperature and humidity in the facility are also controlled to help reduce the concentrations of some of these gases. 

The Ice Arena has been and will continue to monitor the air quality within our facility to ensure the safety of all of our users.  If at any time it is determined that levels within the facility are above what is acceptable, the facility will be evacuated immediately.  Safety is our number one concern.  If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact Carrie Robertson, Ice Arena Manager at crobertson@cityofbowie.org.