Plans for New Bend Ice Rink Still Proceeding

A proposal to create a large new ice rink in Bend — at least on a temporary site — is moving closer to approval by the Bend Park and Rec Board.

At a work session Tuesday night, board members were updated on a proposal to build the large-scale rink at the empty former Mt. Bachelor park and ride lot off Simpson Avenue on Bend’s Westside.

The non-profit Bend Ice is hoping to work with the park district to make the rink a reality.

“My opinion, participating tonight on the part of Bend Ice, is the board is receptive and we’re taking the next step,” said Blaise Carcciola of Bend Ice.

A park district subcommittee briefed the board on recent findings. They now say the project could cost anywhere from about $700,000 to $1.1 million.

One of the major issues at the meeting was whether or not the new temporary facility should be covered or uncovered.

“We got an indication tonight that they are going to be taking the next step,” said Carcciola, “which is more information from staff regarding programing and how that programing would increase revenue if a cover was added.”

If the district opts for a cover, similar to the one at Juniper Swim and Fitness, it could cost an extra $626,000.

Bend Park and Rec’s estimate shows they would purchase a new refrigeration system, an ice resurface machine, and put in an asphalt slab.

If the district decides to move forward with the idea, Bend Ice would have until March 2013 to raise about $300,000 to get the rink started.

The proposed rink would be built in phases with the first, including a temporary rink on the Simpson Avenue lot.

The second phase could possibly move the rink and add a permanent structure somewhere on the site.

“The parks will evaluate the participation and the revenue generated by the facility,” said Carcciola, “They will decide at that point in time to continue with the facility as it is, or continue planning for a year-round, enclosed, full-size rink.”