Is there interest?

Absolutely! The community in Chaffee County has shown a longstanding enthusiasm for ice skating and hockey, with residents in both Buena Vista and Salida expressing a strong desire for a dedicated ice rink. For over a decade, there has been an ongoing buzz around the possibility of bringing an ice rink to the area, and these discussions have only intensified in recent years. Local families, youth sports enthusiasts, and recreational skaters alike recognize the benefits such a facility would bring, from accessible winter sports opportunities to a new gathering place for community events.

This enthusiasm is mirrored across Colorado, where the popularity of hockey is rapidly growing. With the recent success of the Colorado Avalanche, interest in the sport has surged statewide, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. The Avalanche's strength and achievements have not only fueled excitement but have also sparked a wave of support for building rinks and expanding youth programs in communities like ours. An ice rink in Chaffee County would provide our residents the chance to connect with this vibrant hockey culture and participate in a sport that is gaining tremendous traction across Colorado. Beyond just a place to skate, it would be a community asset supporting the growth of winter sports in our region and allowing our youth to pursue hockey as a part of Colorado’s ever-expanding hockey scene.

Where would the competition come from?

Competition for our ice rink would primarily come from neighboring mountain towns with established hockey programs, including Alamosa, Gunnison, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Aspen, as well as larger cities like Colorado Springs and Denver. These communities already have dedicated teams that would bring steady, friendly competition, enriching our local youth hockey experience and fostering skill development.

This network of nearby teams would not only provide exciting matchups for our players but also contribute significantly to our local economy. Hosting games and tournaments would attract visitors during the winter season, bolstering tourism and bringing a welcome boost to local businesses. By creating opportunities for healthy competition, we’d be strengthening our youth programs and positioning Chaffee County as a vibrant hub for winter sports in Colorado.

How will the rink be funded?

We are pursuing a P3 (Public-Private Partnership) model to fund the rink, combining resources from private investors, state grants, and local support from Chaffee County. This collaborative funding approach allows us to streamline the development process, ensuring the rink is completed efficiently and meets high standards for quality and community accessibility.

IRCC is actively seeking private contributions and partnerships that align with our mission, alongside state and local grants that support recreational infrastructure, youth sports, and community wellness. These grants are crucial in covering the initial construction and operational costs, allowing us to build a rink that truly meets the needs of our community. Local assistance from Chaffee County will also play an essential role in maintaining and operating the rink, creating a sustainable model that benefits our community for years to come.

By blending private funding, public grants, and local support, we aim to create a facility that serves as both a recreational space and an economic asset for Chaffee County, ensuring long-term stability and community ownership.