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Hockey community presses Taos council for clearer timeline and upgrades to youth ice rink
Summary
Local hockey coaches and parents told the council the youth and family ice rink remains unrepaired a year after the fire; they urged the town to spend previously allocated funds on mechanical upgrades (controller, condenser), slab replacement and boards so a full season can be scheduled.
Several members of the Taos skating and hockey community used the citizens forum on July 22 to press the town for a clear timeline and follow‑through on ice‑rink repairs after a fire nearly a year earlier.
Mark Richard, who identified himself as head coach for the Dallas Youth Hockey Association and a community educator, said contractors told him they have been awaiting permits and town paperwork to begin repairs and that approximately $1.2 million had been identified for repair and upgrade work. He said rink technicians recommended a new controller, condenser and replacement piping and slab work to restore a reliable season from October through March.
Angela Pacheco, a Taos Youth Hockey board member and parent, thanked the council and said the board wants to be a partner, offering help with fundraising, staffing and problem solving. Both speakers asked whether equipment identified by town‑retained technicians had been ordered and when staff would provide a public update.
Town response: Council and staff acknowledged the request for an update. Mayor Pro Tem and Manager Lupe Martinez responded that staff would provide "updates for public and for ourselves at the next meeting." Parks and recreation staff later said they will prepare a fuller briefing so council and the community receive the same information at once.
Why it matters: The rink supports local hockey, figure skating and public skating and was repeatedly described by speakers as impactful beyond Taos, drawing participants statewide. Speakers emphasized safety concerns, the need for mechanical improvements before judging ice quality, and that some repairs could be covered by previously allocated funds.
Next steps: Staff committed to present a detailed update at the next council meeting, including what equipment has been ordered, the status of permits and a timeline for when a full season could be expected to resume.
