Casper City Council plans to improve Ice Arena

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - Ongoing discussions about changes to the Casper Ice Arena took place amongst city officials.

The Casper city council discussed approving a five-year business plans for both the Casper Ice Arena and the Casper Recreation Center. The plan would look to include a new ice sheet to the ice arena. “Right now, we are in the midst of an 18 month timeline in funding a second sheet at the rink which will provide, prime time ice for our user groups as well as an opportunity to expand out program” said Chad Green, Casper Ice Arena supervisor.

This second sheet would offer optimal ice availability for user groups and facilitate program expansion. The anticipated benefits include enhanced opportunities for student athletes’ rest, increased public engagement for activities like skating and figure skating, and an expanded venue for events.

Richie Adamson, a frequent ice skater expressed enthusiasm for the proposal. “It just brings more space, and it brings a space for public, more kids, more families to go too. So if it is a baby ice arena like this and it is just a little bit smaller, then that is like a place for people to go to have fun. And this is more of a professional setting where they hold the games.” Highlighting the potential for increased space and family-oriented activities. The timeline for the project’s commencement remains unspecified; however, fundraising efforts are underway.

Green states that the Casper Amateur Hockey Club is leading the fundraising campaign, aiming to secure the remaining funds required for the initiative by June 2024. “Fundraising for the second sheet is currently on the way with the Casper Amateur Hockey Club, they have until June 2024 to present to council the remaining funds needed for the project. They have already captured 70 percent of the initial fundraising.”

The city has committed to match a portion of the money needed if the donations meet the timeline suggested by council.

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