Orange County Curling Club
OUR STORY
Orange County Curling Club (OC Curling) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting the Olympic sport of curling in Southern California. Since 2006, OC Curling has provided a welcoming, inclusive space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to learn, play, and connect through curling. Thousands of Orange County residents have discovered the sport through our Learn to Curl and group events, and many have become lifelong participants and volunteers.
Our club currently operates out of a shared-use ice arena, where we compete for limited ice time with hockey and skating programs on unplayable, often unsafe ice. Despite these challenges, OC Curling has built a thriving and diverse community that includes recreational and competitive curlers, adult leagues, and introductory programs for newcomers. The club emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusion, and offers programming for seniors and underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ athletes.
As a proud member of the United States Curling Association and the Mountain Pacific Curling Association, OC Curling connects local players to national and international competition, representing Southern California at regional and national events and elevating curling’s presence on the West Coast.
Recognizing the limitations of shared facilities, OC Curling is investing >$2 million to build Orange County’s only dedicated curling facility in Santa Ana. We have secured a lease on a 16,000-square-foot warehouse and raised $1.2M toward the project. The new facility will feature purpose-built curling sheets, training space, and community gathering areas—assuring consistent ice quality, expanded programming, including programs for youth and people with disabilities, and long-term stability.
With our own curling facility, we will greatly expand programming to fill a much-needed gap in the local community. This new curling center will foster social connection, encourage fitness, promote inclusivity, and engage youth participation—creating a vibrant community hub where everyone is welcome to experience the joy of curling.
Beyond the sport itself, curling has a way of bringing people together—building real social connection, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating lifelong friendships that often become just as meaningful as the game. For many, it quietly becomes a place where community forms, where people feel seen, and where their lives are genuinely enriched by the relationships they build on and off the ice. The establishment of Orange County’s only dedicated curling facility will generate lasting social, health, and economic benefits for the community. By creating a stable, year-round home for curling, OC Curling will expand opportunities for participation, connection, and growth across all ages and backgrounds.
• Build Community & Social Connections
Curling is built on camaraderie and teamwork. The new facility will provide a welcoming space where people come together around a shared activity—fostering friendships, reducing social isolation, and enhancing community well-being.
• Encourage an Active Lifestyle & Fitness
Curling is a lifelong sport that promotes cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The facility will offer regular access to physical activity for participants of all fitness levels, including seniors and youth.
• Champion Social Equity & Inclusivity
OC Curling will continue to provide inclusive programming that welcomes all participants regardless of age, ability, gender, or socioeconomic background. Our own facility will allow for new leagues and events for juniors, seniors, schools, colleges, and LGBTQ+ participants.
• Promote Youth Engagement and Leadership
With multiple schools nearby, the facility will enable partnerships for youth leagues, physical education programs, and after-school activities that promote focus, teamwork, and strategic thinking in a safe, supportive environment.
• Contribute to Local Economic Development
The new curling center will attract regional, national, and international visitors through bonspiels (curling tournaments) and competitive events. These gatherings will generate hotel stays, dining, and tourism activity—benefiting local businesses and raising Orange County’s profile as a destination for Olympic sport.
OC Curling is building momentum as the home of a passionate and growing curling community in Orange County. With determination, teamwork, and grassroots support, we are moving steadily toward creating a permanent home for the sport.
In the past year, OC Curling achieved three key milestones:
Fundraising Progress: Raised $1.2 million toward our $2 million goal, including a $10,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation and generous member and donor contributions.
Facility Milestone: Secured a long-term lease on a 16,000-square-foot warehouse in Santa Ana, setting the stage for construction of Orange County’s first dedicated curling center.
Community Growth: Expanded outreach through Learn to Curl and Mix & Mingle programs, welcoming hundreds of new participants and strengthening our inclusive culture.
In the coming year, our goals are to raise the remaining $600,000, complete renovations, and open the new facility. Once operational, it will provide year-round, high-quality ice; expand access for youth, schools, seniors, LGBTQ+ and adaptive athletes; and serve as a regional hub for Southern California curlers who currently rely on shared-use rinks.
The impact will reach far beyond the sport. Curling is social, accessible, and multi-generational—72% of curlers cite social connection as their primary reason for playing. A dedicated facility will support wellness, belonging, and community connection while offering youth opportunities to build teamwork, focus, and confidence. It will also generate economic benefits by attracting visitors for tournaments, leagues, and corporate events.
By establishing Orange County’s only dedicated curling center, OC Curling will create a lasting community asset that promotes inclusion, strengthens local businesses, and provides a welcoming home for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect and thrive.
Mission Statement
Orange County Curling promotes the sport of curling while fostering an inclusive and welcoming community for people of all ages and backgrounds. We provide accessible recreation that supports wellness, connection, and personal growth, offering pathways from beginner instruction to competitive play. With donor support, we are creating a dedicated home for curling—a space where community thrives through sportsmanship, camaraderie, and shared experience.
Background Statement
Orange County Curling Club (OC Curling) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting the Olympic sport of curling in Southern California. Since 2006, OC Curling has provided a welcoming, inclusive space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to learn, play, and connect through curling. Thousands of Orange County residents have discovered the sport through our Learn to Curl and group events, and many have become lifelong participants and volunteers.
Our club currently operates out of a shared-use ice arena, where we compete for limited ice time with hockey and skating programs, on unplayable and often unsafe ice. Despite these challenges, over the past 16 years, OC Curling has built a lasting and diverse community that includes recreational and competitive curlers, adult leagues, and introductory programs for newcomers. The club emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusion, and with our own space we will expand programming for youth, seniors and underrepresented groups such as LGBTQ+ athletes.
As a proud member of the United States Curling Association and the Mountain Pacific Curling Association, OC Curling connects local players to national and international competition, representing Southern California at regional and national events and elevating curling’s presence on the West Coast.
Recognizing the limitations of shared facilities, OC Curling is investing over $2 million to build Southern California's only dedicated curling facility in Santa Ana. We have secured a lease on a 16,000-square-foot warehouse and already raised $1.2M toward the project. The new facility will feature purpose-built curling sheets, training space, and social gathering areas—assuring consistent ice quality and expanded programming to fill a much-needed gap in the local community. This new curling center will foster social connection, encourage fitness, promote inclusivity, and engage youth participation—creating a vibrant community hub where everyone is welcome to experience the curling community.
Impact Statement
OC Curling is building momentum as the home of a passionate and growing curling community in Orange County. With determination, teamwork, and grassroots support, we are moving steadily toward creating a permanent home for the sport.
In the past year, OC Curling achieved three key milestones:
1. Fundraising Progress: Raised $1.2M toward our >$2 million goal, including a $10,000 grant from the Samueli Foundation and generous member and donor contributions.
2. Facility Milestone: Secured a long-term lease on a 16,000-square-foot warehouse in Santa Ana, setting the stage for construction of Orange County’s first dedicated curling center.
3. Community Growth: Expanded outreach through Learn to Curl and Mix & Mingle programs, welcoming hundreds of new participants and strengthening our inclusive culture.
In 2026, our goals are to raise the remaining $800,000, complete renovations, and open the new facility. Once operational, it will provide year-round, high-quality ice; expand access for youth, schools, seniors, LGBTQ+ and adaptive athletes; and serve as a regional hub for Southern California curlers who currently rely on shared-use rinks.
The impact will reach far beyond the sport. Curling is social, accessible, and multi-generational—72% of curlers cite social connection as their primary reason for playing. A dedicated facility will support wellness, belonging, and community connection while offering youth opportunities to build teamwork, focus, and confidence. It will also generate economic benefits by attracting visitors for tournaments, leagues, and corporate events.
By establishing Orange County’s only dedicated curling center, OC Curling will create a lasting community asset that promotes inclusion, strengthens local businesses, and provides a welcoming home for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect and thrive
Needs Statement
OC Curling has built a vibrant and welcoming community, yet without a facility of our own, we cannot offer the access, programs, and opportunities our members and the broader community are asking for. To meet this demand, we are developing Orange County’s only dedicated curling facility. We have raised $1.2M of our >$2 million goal and secured a 16,000-square-foot warehouse.
Our greatest need now is donor support to close the remaining capital gap and overcome the high cost of building in Orange County so we can bring this transformative community asset to life. This facility will become a regional hub for Southern California, ensuring this inclusive, lifelong sport can grow and thrive.
Geographic Areas Served
Southern California - Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Riverside County
Top Three Populations Served
- Latinos
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ)
- Seniors/Older Adults
Statement from the CEO/Executive Director
Not applicable
Statement from the Board Chair/President
As President of OC Curling, I believe strongly that what we’re building is about far more than a sport— it’s about strengthening the fabric of our community. Orange County deserves a place where people can connect, stay active, and feel a true sense of belonging. A dedicated curling center delivers exactly that, in ways that are both meaningful and lasting:
Foster Social Interaction: Social connections are the number one factor for most curlers’ participation. Bringing people together around a shared activity improves quality of life and builds lasting relationships across our community.
Encourage Fitness: Curling is an accessible, low-impact activity that promotes physical and mental wellness for all ages—from young adults to seniors.
Social Equality and Inclusivity: Few sports are as inclusive across age, ability, gender, and income level as curling. It creates a space where everyone can participate and feel welcome.
Make Youth Active: In a world full of distractions, curling encourages focus, strategy, and teamwork. With schools near our future home in Santa Ana, we will build youth leagues and school programs that develop both skills and confidence.
Provide Economic Boost: A dedicated facility will attract tournaments and events that bring visitors from across the country and around the world—supporting local businesses and strengthening Orange County’s economy.
Thank you for considering the impact this project can have on our community. With your support, we can turn this vision into a lasting home for connection, inclusivity, and growth. I invite you to join us—be part of building something meaningful for Orange County, and help us bring this facility to life for generations to come.
Justin McBride
President, Orange County Curling Club
CONTACT
Orange County Curling Club
P.O. Box 5004
Garden Grove, California 92846
Justin McBride
Phone: 818-519-5286