COEUR d'ALENE - The outlook for ice skating is cautiously optimistic.

So say the leaders of the Kootenai Youth Recreation Organization's drive to open its state-of-the-art, $2.8 million, 37,000-square-foot ice arena, aiming to begin year-round skating by August.

But a little more needs to be done if the nonprofit is going to make that deadline.

"The gap we have to close is $480,000," said Matthew Beam, KYRO manager.

The fundraising goal to open the facility began at $800,000. While there's still work to be done to meet it, the group is keeping its hopes up.

It is still pursuing grants, fundraising events, and making the rounds to local groups to spread the word. It's also added a fundraising option on its website, www.kyro.org, for support.

And as the mega-rink goes up off Seltice Way, its doors are open for tours if anyone wants to see the mammoth structure up close and personal.

"There is definitely that 'wow' factor," Beam said of the tours.

A naming-rights deal from a sponsor on the building may be announced soon, but the nonprofit still needs community support.

Around 2,000 people visited the old rink before its roof collapsed in 2008 from heavy snowfall. The new structure, once it is opened, should see 3,000 visitors a week. It'll also be open year-round.

After the collapse, KYRO received a $2 million insurance settlement. Its $2.8 million structure design was built for future need. A big portion of money raised came from Lake City Development Corp., the city urban renewal agency, for public improvements.

A number of essential items remain unfunded which could delay the facility's opening, scheduled for August. One such item is a $100,000 dehumidifier that removes moisture from the arena air, exchanging it for fresh air from the outside. Another item is a $75,000 "rink piping system" needed to freeze the 17,000-square foot, official National Hockey League-size ice surface.

A lead time of 10 weeks is required to get these systems ordered, manufactured, delivered and installed.

Still, the group is keeping its hopes high. Or as KYRO volunteer Skip Fuller put it Friday: "We're cautiously optimistic."

Info: 765-4423 or e-mail info@kyro.org