Our Project

With the help of the City of Ponderay and local donations, NIICE has initiated the building of a permanent ice arena at the Field of Dreams. Land has been acquired, initial foundation work, and well as infrastructure to the facility are being provided through the Ponderay Local Option Tax. Dasher boards and glass have been purchased. This is progress and represents most of the hard goods needed to complete phase one of our plan; a naturally chilled ice rink for the winter of 2022/23.

Project Phases

Phase 1 - Naturally Frozen Rink ($50,000)

The first phase of this project is to attain and be able to have a temperature dependent, air cooled, uncovered sheet of ice. This requires a significant investment, but has largely been completed. The land, dirt work, infrastructure, are being provided through the City of Ponderay and the Field of Dreams funded through LOT taxes. (Can we get a $$ amount to correlate). Our goal is to have a rink of this type ready for use in the Fall/Winter of 2022. Based on previous weather patterns, the ice will be useable for +/- 17 days.

Locate and procure temporary/permanent location - Completed*
Infrastructure - Completed*
Purchase of perimeter boards and glass - $35000 - Completed*
200x85 Liner - $5000 - In Process
Shipping Containers (storage) - $10000 - Completed*

*Purchased by the City of Ponderay for use at the Field of Dreams

Phase 2 - Chiller Frozen Rink ($295,000/$355,000)

In phase 2, the intent is to increase the number of days, consistency, quality, and availability of ice. Through phase one, the ice was dependent on weather which can be fickle. Small temperature changes can have a huge impact on the skating surface. The addition of a cooler, proper foundation, and placement of the rink in a permanent location can add to each of the above by doubling or tripling the usable time of the arena.

Concrete Foundation - $100,000
Chiller Mats (used) - $90,000
Glycol Refrigerant - $40,000
Used/New Chiller Unit - $40,000/$100,000
Zamboni - $25,000

Estimate Total $295,000/$355,00

Phase 3 - Covered/Chilled Rink ($477,000)

Temperature as well as precipitation both negatively impact the ice. In phase 3 we will focus once again on increasing the number of usable days through putting a cover over the ice surface keeping precipitation away. There are several approaches to this ranging from a simple modular design that will allow for the addition of walls, locker rooms, foyer, restrooms, concessions as deemed appropriate. The estimates included are for a steel structure without amenities.

Steel Cover Package - $277,000
Erection of Steel Cover - $200,000

Phase 4 - Year-Round, Fully Enclosed Rink

Chillers and coverings to keep the sun off the ice are important steps toward maintaining and providing skateable ice. The final step in this project is to fully enclose a rink which will control the environment fully and allow for year-round skating opportunities. We are currently researching designs that can best fulfill these needs as well as those of the City of Ponderay and the Field of Dreams Facility.

Fully Enclosed Rink - TBD