Wednesday — February 11, 2004

Hailey ice rink funds growing; goal is May

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

The Wood River Community Ice Rink volunteers are making a push to raise the last $200,000 needed to break ground for a $600,000 rink in Lion’s Park.

"We’re up to about $400,000," said Ron Fairfax, who is helping to push for the facility. "We’re starting to make a big push. We are trying to be done with fundraising by May 1 ."

A newsletter and pledge forms have been distributed in Hailey and Ketchum. Copies for Bellevue, Sun Valley and Elkhorn are still being folded, Fairfax said.

Fairfax has pledged $10,000 to the fund drive himself in an effort to set an example. He said if 23 people, businesses, foundations, grants or civic organizations donate $10,000 each, ice rink supporters would meet their goal.

"With the remittance we hope to get the word out to everybody," Fairfax said. "We are contacting some of the bigger donors and foundations. We will personally meet with them."

Rink supporters are also working on a grant with the Hailey GEM Community Committee to get sewer and water over the Croy Street bridge to the park which is technically Blaine County land.

The final project, once funding has been raised, will probably have to be reviewed by both the county and city planning and zoning commissions, Fairfax said.

"We originally planned to go before the city in February, now it will probably be April," he said. "It would be huge for everybody (to complete construction this summer). We already have people trying to book hockey tournaments for next year."

Senior leagues currently play in Sun Valley on Sundays.

"They would love to have another day to skate," Fairfax said.

Bill Josey and Scott Heiner currently maintain the ice at Roberta McKercher Park, which is free to the public. They would continue to make the free ice in the future, but a rink at Lion’s Park would significantly extend the skating season. McKercher is now open for about 10 weeks in the winter. Fairfax said the new rink would have a steel truss roof to protect refrigerated ice from rain and snow for about five months.

"We would charge only half of what (ice time) costs in Sun Valley," Fairfax said. "It’s a skating facility more than a spectator facility. (Fundraising) is going along well, but we need everybody’s help. If people know anyone who wants to donate let us know."

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