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Commission awards portable outdoor ice‑rink contract for winter season at county fairgrounds
Summary
The county will host a seasonal portable outdoor ice rink at the fairgrounds after commissioners approved a contract for rental, installation and operations up to $290,000.
Dona Ana County commissioners voted Aug. 26 to award a contract to rent and operate a portable outdoor ice rink at the county fairgrounds during the winter season. The approved vendor proposal covers equipment rental, setup, maintenance, removal, holiday decorations and estimated day‑to‑day operations in an amount not to exceed $290,000 (excluding applicable gross‑receipts tax).
Location and operation: County staff said the rink would be located in the insulated livestock barn at the county fairgrounds and proposed a seasonal run from November through February with a breakdown after Valentine’s Day. The vendor, which has operated seasonal rinks in other communities, told commissioners best practices include presold party bookings and theme nights to steady attendance and staffing.
Accessibility and programming: Commissioners and staff discussed transportation, school‑day bookings, reduced‑fare programs and partnering with local transit and school districts to help students and lower‑income residents attend. Staff said they will build outreach and reduced‑fare options into operations planning and coordinate shuttle options with the regional transit district and local school districts.
Budget and next steps: The county confirmed $225,000 had been allocated in the current budget for the project; the vendor proposal’s total including operations reached $290,000 on a high‑end estimate. Staff will proceed with contract execution and return to the board with operational and outreach details, including proposed school and community‑partner programming.
Quote: “We want to make sure we compensate some of the people that have already been working out there in these kinds of facilities,” one county official said, noting a preference for hiring local staff for seasonal operations.
Ending: Commissioners voiced support for the amenity and directed staff to finalize contracts, operations plans and an outreach schedule to maximize community access.
