Attainable, Affordable, Achievable
Attainable, Affordable, Achievable
To create an opportunity for additional, diverse, recreational activity, and fitness, through ice sports to the communities of Bonner County.
3/10/24
We (NIICE and the City of Ponderay) have been closely aligned and working diligently on bringing ice to our area. We’ve spent countless hours putting this plan in motion. This is coming together quickly at this point. Our initial vision of a completely modular approach was well met. Several game plans have been utilized and each has been a learning experience. At this point we’d like to move ahead and purchase a rink that can be put up for the upcoming fall (2024). While this is not modular and won’t be a part of the final design, it will continue to be utilized indefinitely. An immediate need will be filled by getting an ice sheet on the ground and operational. As this dream is realized (a full-size, four-season rink) this ancillary rink will be used to provide holiday skating for the community and general overflow. The negotiations start at 165K. Included is a 138x80 rink, dashers, mats, 300 pairs of rental skates, and a chiller.
The City of Ponderay is providing a location for the rink. This will most likely be at the intersection of highway 200 and Kootenai Cutoff. There will be power wherever this temporary location is. If the LOT passes, there will be a larger rink at the FOD. This “ancillary” rink will provide a second sheet for the community allowing less interruptions to scheduled rink time for holiday and open skating. In summary, the rink NIICE is intending to buy is NOT a temporary rink, it is an ancillary rink. It will fill a need until the larger rink is built and will placed in a highly visible location. This will allow for marketing and awareness, opening doors to donations toward the full sheet of ice. Once the full-size rink is constructed, this smaller rink is planned be moved to the FOD and used as an additional ice surface to be used in peak season, holiday events, overflow.
There has been a dream of having ice in the area for 20 plus years. We now have an attainable, affordable, achievable way to get that done as well as the support of the Ponderay City Council. This plan fills the short-term need while also planning for a more comprehensive vision of a full-size, four-season rink. Donations in excess of those needed for the ancillary rink will be put toward the main FOD rink. We see this as a great gateway to building a following, developing associations, and growing usage to support the larger rink. As with any new venture, it takes time to attain a user group. We see this need growing quickly.
10/31/2023
Update – NIICE and the City of Ponderay are continuing to work toward an ice arena at the Field of Dreams. As of today, an ice arena is included in phase 2 of the Field of Dreams buildout. We continue to move forward and are currently working funding through grants, donations, and endowments. Additionally, we will continue develop renderings, construction estimates, and updates to our business plan.
See the new Images and Renderings under "Our Project"!!!
Thank you Matt Kerr of SOK Architecture and Design Studio for your time, input, dedication this project!
Keep checking in for updates!
You can see what each phase entails along with where we are at and some cost estimates for each phase on our webpage www.NIICEArena.com. We are able to take donations on or website so please take a moment to have a look at what we are doing and make a donation to help us complete Phase 1: a chilling system and Zamboni.
See you on the ice!
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