ImOn Arena reports growth in youth access programs; dehumidification and concessions work planned

Marie Ware, Parks and Recreation Director, and arena staff reviewed ImOn Arena operations, recent outreach programs and recommended capital work during the department’s FY2026 budget presentation.

Highlights and programming: Ware and arena management described new and expanded programs, including a Blackhawks ‘‘Learn to Play’’ youth hockey initiative that offered full equipment and programming for 5–9-year-olds, and a local Skate for All program funded with $10,000 from the city’s recreation budget to issue free vouchers for school field trips and targeted community access. Ware said ImOn Arena’s outreach included school field trips and themed public skating events that helped expand skating exposure to children and families.

Capital and facilities: Staff said a dehumidification project—approved previously and estimated by staff at roughly $500,000—will begin after the current Saints season and is expected mostly complete by late August so it can be scheduled between major ice seasons. Staff also reported recent improvements to concession prep areas intended to speed customer throughput during breaks and peak events.

Community and public-safety role: ImOn Arena serves as a cooling center in heat events and is available for certain emergency sheltering; staff also noted community uses such as youth tournaments and college-club play drove weekends of activity and hotel-room nights for the city.

Quotes and context: Ware said the Blackhawks “learn to play” program is notable because “This is the only location in Iowa” offering that league-based introduction under the team’s umbrella. Staff emphasized that facility improvements are timed to minimize disruption to seasonal schedules.

Next steps: The dehumidification installation will proceed on the post-season schedule; staff will continue to market ImOn programming and report results to the council as part of parks-and-recreation performance tracking.