Renovations and expansion are possible for Riverview Icehouse by the Rockford Park District.

Since the Rockford IceHogs have come to town, I've noticed a huge increase in popularity with hockey in the Forest City.

Not just fans, but players too.

The Junior IceHogs program is great for kids.

With the number of skaters growing in our area, there is a need for more ice. Also, upgrades to older facilities.

"Over the years, the Rockford Park District has seen growth in the number of youth and adults participating in skating and hockey programs.  Riverview Ice House is a 43-year-old facility and in need of significant repairs along with a new refrigeration system that has exceeded its lifecycle. With the aging infrastructure needs coupled with the increased demand for ice sports the District wanted to explore the options to add another sheet of ice." 

A study was done to determine the best solution to the problem.

Through a donation from Pete and Heather Provenzano, HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting, Inc. was brought it to find out more information.

They found two different options. Here are the results.

Option 1 - "Renovations to Riverview Ice House and adding an outdoor pavilion that would transform into an ice rink during the winter months.  Option 1 would cost between $9 million and $13 million."  

Option 2 - "Renovations to Riverview Ice House and add an NHL-sized rink indoors, and cost between $13 million and $18 million."

The Rockford Park District is working with the community to decide which option would be best.

They are also considering different types of non-tax revenue support including sponsors and donors.

The Ice Steering Committee has come up with a third option - "Consolidating ice operations to one location (no specific location has been identified.)"

If you would like to see the full results of the survey, you can check them out HERE.


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