Wednesday, August 22, 2007

YMCA ice arena work to begin

Y receives anonymous $2 million donation


By EXPRESS STAFF
Express Staff Writer

YMCA graphic-- The Wood River Community YMCA facility at the corner of Warm Springs and Saddle roads in Ketchum is starting to look more and more like the final product proposed to the city years ago.

Although there is not yet a specific date, groundbreaking on the ice arena and events center for the YMCA complex in Ketchum is expected to begin before the end of the year.

"I think the people in the skating community will be thrilled by this announcement," said Teresa Beahen-Lipman, executive director of the Wood River Community YMCA.

Although the announcement was made to donors at three fundraising events earlier this month, including at the Aug. 3 Dwight Yoakam concert, information on the groundbreaking date was provided for media distribution in an Aug. 17 news release.

We don't have a "date certain" for the start, but it's expected that work on the estimated $6 million arena will begin before the end of the year, Beahen-Lipman said.

The groundwork for the three-phase YMCA complex was set in November 2004 when Ketchum voters approved the project on the city-owned Park and Ride lot at the corner of Warm Springs and Saddle roads.

Phases 1 and 2, which include an aquatics center and a core facility with a fitness center, are well underway.

The price tag on the entire facility is pushing the $30 million mark, and $22.5 million has been raised so far, Beahen-Lipman said. The public grand opening for the first two phases is set for Nov. 3.

An anonymous Wood River Valley donor recently contributed $2 million and with additional pledges from YMCA's board of directors combining to make a total of $2.5 million, plans can now continue with phase three. The YMCA wants to raise $6.5 million more to close-out its campaign, and dollars donated before Oct. 1, 2007 will be matched up to $2.5 million, the news release said.

A 2005 market survey showed there was strong interest in an ice arena and an events center, Beahen-Lipman said. Numerous Ketchum residents for years have been advocating the construction of a public indoor ice rink in the city.

The planned ice arena can be converted into an events center when it is covered with a strong, thermal floor. It can be used for conferences, concerts, expos, festivals and many other types of events, Beahen-Lipman said.

The community is invited to view plans for the complex and/or take a hard hat tour. You must be at least 10 years old and call ahead at 727-9622 for tours held on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m.




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