Marathon County considers temporary ice arena solutions amid user group concerns

The Marathon County Board held an educational meeting on March 20, 2025, focusing on the future of the local ice arena and its impact on community sports. Key discussions centered around the potential discontinuation of ice services, which could significantly affect youth hockey programs and other user groups reliant on the facility.

Concerns were raised about the implications of not having ice available, particularly for local schools and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) conference, which depends on the rink for competitions. Local youth hockey teams, including those from Wausau, rely on the ice for practice and tournaments, and the closure could leave them scrambling for available time at nearby rinks, which are already at capacity.

Supervisor Opel emphasized the economic benefits of the ice arena, noting that it attracts visitors for various events, generating revenue for local hotels and businesses. He argued for the necessity of a short-term fix to maintain operations and support community recreation, highlighting the value of youth hockey in fostering community engagement and development.

Supervisor Poole raised questions regarding the proposed mat system as a temporary solution, inquiring about its resale value and the possibility of purchasing used equipment to save costs. He also suggested that raising user fees could be a viable option for funding improvements, although it may not be feasible for the upcoming season due to existing budget constraints.

The discussion underscored the importance of the ice arena not just as a sports facility but as a community hub that contributes to the local economy. The board is expected to continue exploring options for maintaining ice availability and engaging community partners in future planning.