Hailey could get a much larger ice rink than expected if the city moves forward with plans to redevelop the historic rodeo grounds at the south end of the city this summer.
The ice rink is part of an estimated $7 million redevelopment of the rodeo grounds that would include construction of a new multi-purpose rodeo arena, an expanded skate park and a visitor center.
Hailey voters will decide on May 25 during a special election whether to support a 10-year tax increase to pay for $3.5 million of the cost of the overall rodeo grounds redevelopment.
A substantial donation from a private donor would allow nonprofit Hailey Ice to expand existing plans for a 28,000-square-foot, "bare-bones" facility to a 38,153-square-foot, year-round recreation facility. The expanded version would be large enough to accommodate inline hockey, indoor soccer, tennis and basketball courts.
Architect Nicholas Latham presented the Hailey City Council with expanded plans for the facility Monday, saying the cost—for the ice rink facility alone—would increase by more than $1.4 million to a total of $3.9 million.
Hailey Parks and Lands Foundation representative Becki Keefer told the council Monday that Hailey Ice has $600,000 in cash from private donations to move forward with construction of the facility.
Attorney Jim Laski told the council that Hailey Ice was close to accepting an anonymous donation that would more than cover the cost of developing and operating the expanded facility.
"It's a huge donation, so there are lots of wrinkles to work out," he said. "We are working hard because it's important to get the donation prior to the bond vote."
Laski later said the donor could also wait to see if Hailey voters support the proposed $3.5 million tax increase on May 25 before stepping forward.
<
The council unanimously agreed that if the donation does not materialize, and the special election succeeds in raising $3.5 million, the city could build a smaller ice rink facility as originally planned.
City Attorney Ned Williamson told the council he is already negotiating with Hailey Ice officials for a 20-year lease of the completed facility. He said the building and property would be owned by the city, but operated by Hailey Ice.
"This would be similar to the YMCA situation in Ketchum," he said. "This is the most exciting thing I have seen in Hailey in many years."
City Administrator Heather Dawson said if the donation was delayed or the city wanted to postpone construction for any reason, the city could still authorize a $3.5 million tax increase for the eventual rodeo grounds development on May 25, if Hailey voters support the measure.
"Yes," said Councilman Don Keirn. "We would issue the bond only when we choose."
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
Rodeo fundraiser
The Sawtooth Rangers riding club will hold an "antique tractor pull" demonstration at the Hailey Rodeo Arena on Saturday, May 15, at noon. The event is a fundraiser for the new rodeo arena portion of the rodeo grounds redevelopment.
