Campaign launched to complete fundraising for ice arena
Lake County Leader | UPDATED 10 months, 3 weeks AGO
Members of the Mission Valley Ice Arena Association board include: front row – Carmine Mowbray, Charlie Mizia, Linda Greenwood, Steve Todd and Steve Lozar, emeritus; and back row – Jamie Buhr, Hilary Lozar, Chuck Wall and Devin Huntley. (Not pictured: board member Joel Onsager, project manager Danell Thingelstad and fiduciary Bret Richardson.)
The Mission Valley Ice Arena Association, an organization committed to promoting active lifestyles and youth activities, recently launched the final phase of its campaign to raise the remaining $2 million for the construction of a multi-use indoor arena in Polson.
To date, MVIAA has gift commitments of more than $4 million for construction and $1 million for an operations endowment as programs grow. In addition, the organization has secured land next to Mission Valley Aquatics on Ridgewater Drive for the arena.
“We’ve made tremendous progress toward a vibrant recreational and economic hub for the Mission Valley,” said Devin Huntley, MVIAA board president. “Now, with the continued support of our community, we can take the final steps to make this vision a reality.”
MVIAA’s plan will provide a regulation-size ice rink in winter and a flexible event and sports venue during the summer.
“Families can enjoy local, affordable access to safe and healthy recreation, especially during our long winters. Events and tournaments will boost economic activity when we need it most,” says treasurer Carmine Mowbray.
She notes that residents who are passionate about ice sports, including the Mission Valley’s many hockey enthusiasts, currently travel out of town to pursue their sport.
“This local facility will save many people dangerous travel on winter roads,” she says.
During the summer, the arena can be used for indoor pickleball and other sports, as well as festivals, exhibitions, public events and private rentals.
Once in operation and with developed programs in place, the organization expects the arena to become self-sustaining through admissions, memberships, rentals, tournaments, and support from program grants.
As to when actual construction might begin, Mowbray says it depends on the fundraising campaign. "Once we reach the $2 million mark, either in the bank or in pledges, we dig!"
For more information, contact Mowbray at 406-883-4677, email [email protected] or visit missionvalleyicearena.com.