By Amelia Fiore
Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — The Columbia Gorge Skating Association (CGSA) is in escrow to purchase land on which they will build The Gorge Ice Rink, the first year-round indoor ice facility in the Mid-Columbia region.
The rink, set to be located on Barrett Drive and Indian Creek Road, will host public skate sessions, skating lessons, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating, curling, and special events.
The CGSA, a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to collect $10-12 million to fund the entirety of the project. They have currently accumulated over $500,000 in donations, $51,500 of which was raised during a fundraiser at The Ruins on July 27, meaning the project is still in its infancy.
The rink will house a 200-feet by 85-feet, NHL-standard ice sheet, locker rooms, and seating around the ice. The building’s interior will be lined with timber to represent the area’s prominent logging history.
According to The Gorge Ice Rink website, “Land is under contract and a donor has pledged funding, immediately adjacent to Hood River Valley High School at Indian Creek and Barrett.”
At the Hood River Rotary Club meeting on Sept. 17, CGSA President Mark Neumann presented the project to members. He, alongside several local ice enthusiasts, founded the CGSA four years ago, and they now work with several partners throughout the community.
Neumann highlighted that the main source of skating is limited to Laurance Lake, which only freezes over enough to warrant safe skating a handful of weekends each year. Skating environments like these are often inaccessible, requiring participants to bring their own equipment and to already have a certain level of skill.
The goal of constructing The Gorge Ice Rink is to create a landmark for the Gorge to gather year-round, regardless of skill level, age, or gender.
“We’re trying to give the kids a place to learn, be with other kids, and have socialization,” Neumann said.
While not officially arranged, one of the CGSA’s goals is to create a boys’ and girls’ hockey program, which could integrate into separate high schools for regional games. They are also considering hosting ice activities for high school physical education classes because of the location’s closeness to Hood River Valley High School.
The CGSA board is aiming to obtain the entirety of their funding through fundraising initiatives to avoid ongoing debt, as that could limit the rink’s abilities in the future. Neumann emphasized that the board wants the rink to be financially accessible for attendees, but not costly for the facility itself. Their projected financial model reflects that “the expenses are more than covered by the user fees,” specifically sports activities revenue.
On Oct. 7, the CGSA met with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to discuss logistics of the building.
“It was a good meeting with ODOT to understand the existing traffic situation and the county’s plan to improve the intersection in the future,” Neumann said. “We are still waiting on the county to finish processing the Conditional Use Permit application.”
According to Neumann’s estimate, it could take roughly a year from now to build the rink, but “it’s all contingent on the fundraiser.”
Conceptual designs of the building and further details regarding logistics and funding can be found on the The Gorge Ice Rink website. Individuals interesting in contributing donations can also do so on their website.
CGSA also invites community members to share their Gorge skating stories or help spread the word about fundraising efforts by connecting with @thegorgeicerink on Instagram.
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