SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Spokane Valley is poised for a significant transformation in its ice sports facilities. A mystery benefactor is planning to invest more than $40 million into a new ice rink, potentially alleviating the current shortage of ice sheets in the area.
Families in Spokane Valley currently face a 30-minute drive to access ice facilities, coupled with limited public availability. This new development could change that.
Moe Herr from the Spokane Figure Skating Club highlighted the urgent need for more ice sheets, stating, “This area is desperate for more ice sheets and all it will do is it will lift up all of the existing programs.”
Herr noted the growing demand for various ice sports. “Skating in this area is growing rapidly, whether it’s figure skating or hockey, even curling is getting bigger and this being an Olympic year, everybody’s going to get a boost,” Herr said.
Local resources are struggling to meet demand. Herr explained, “It’s growing so much though that we’re completely at capacity out at Frontier. We’ve had to spill over to the seasonal rinks at the skate ribbon and at Coeur d’Alene On Ice in order to meet the demand for group lessons alone.”
John Hohman, Spokane Valley’s city manager, emphasized the need for more ice facilities, saying, “I think it was just one of those items that was an identified need in the region that everybody knows that the Eagles ice arena in the north Spokane area has been at capacity for years and years and years, and that this area could really benefit from more sheets of ice.”
The mystery benefactor’s involvement is likened to “all the planets in the solar system lining up,” according to Hohman. The project’s estimated cost is around $50 million, which Hohman mentioned is not financially feasible for the city council without assistance.
The benefactor envisions an ice rink with two sheets, a proposal that aligns with the community’s needs. “So that was something that, in the very initial discussions, was very clear that that’s what their interest was and that’s coming forward with that specific proposal to fill that specific need in the community,” Hohman said.
The proposed location for the new rink is next to Sullivan Park in Spokane Valley. However, the project is contingent on finalizing land lease negotiations. “Right now the critical point is finalizing the land lease negotiations, bringing that forward to city council to see if they want to move forward with that or not,” Hohman said.
If the agreement proceeds, the benefactor aims to provide ample public access time and host local tournaments. The total project cost is approximately $44 million, with the city covering the remaining fees from reserve and general funds, including $2 million from tourism. This ensures no additional cost to taxpayers while generating an estimated $6 million in annual economic impact.
“This would really help the city council make Spokane Valley a notable location,” Hohman said.
The rink’s potential opening is slated for the latter half of 2027, featuring two new sheets of ice and a mezzanine for spectators. Herr expressed optimism, stating, “It’s needed. We’re outgrowing our space at Frontier but they’re building another sheet of ice. So the future looks bright for ice sports in the Inland Northwest, for sure.”
This development promises to enhance the local ice sports scene and provide much-needed resources for the community.
