Friends of the Oval Foundation

The Friends of the Oval Foundation is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and improving the John Rose Minnesota Oval and the Roseville Skating Center. Built in 1993, this unique ice facility has hosted national and international competitions in Speed Skating and Bandy, and is an important local and regional recreational facility for all skating sports. The Friends of the Oval Foundation supports and encourages the utilization of the Oval for recreational as well as competitive use, and thus is supportive of all skating sports, including hockey, figure skating, speed skating, bandy, in-line skating, and public recreational skating. The Foundation works closely with the City of Roseville Parks and Recreation department and the Skating Center administration to determine how to best utilize the Foundation’s resources. These resources include the Guidant endowment, which the Foundation actively manages. Growth of this endowment will ultimately provide a permanent trust fund to be used strictly in support of maintenance and improvement of the Oval and Skating Center.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors recognizes that this unique facility requires visionary leadership in order to maintain its World-class status as a competitive venue. Board members serve three year terms, and ideally will represent the interests of all local skating communities, including hockey, speed skating, figure skating, bandy, in-line skating, and public recreational skating. Board meetings are held approximately eight to ten times a year, at the Skating Center, and are open to the public. Anyone with an interest in the mission of the Foundation is encouraged to get involved, and nominations for open positions on the Board are entertained at the annual meeting each September. The Foundation holds an annual fundraising event, the Chill Gala, in November, and volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you are passionate about skating, or are a parent or spectator wanting to contribute, we encourage you to contact a board member or attend a board meeting. We are always looking for new directors or volunteers who have new ideas or unique visions for the future of the Skating Center and John Rose Minnesota Oval.

The Friends of the Oval Foundation is registered in the State of Minnesota as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and as such your donation is fully tax-deductible. Any donation, large or small, is appreciated and will be used strictly in support of the Oval and Skating Center. Large donors will receive permanent recognition on the “Wall of Fame” in the Skating Center lobby. Donations can be sent directly to the Friends of the Oval Foundation, c/o Roseville Skating Center, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113, or through any board member. Donations can also be made in the form of silent auction items for the Chill Gala. If you would like a board member to contact you to discuss volunteer activity or contributions, the Foundation maintains a voice message mailbox at                  (651) 792-7125 where you can leave your phone number or contact information.

The Friends of the Oval Foundation will hold their annual meeting and officer elections in September.  New board members from the skating community are needed.  Watch this site for more information as the time approaches.