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Board grants seasonal Wednesday ice time to local hockey group amid concerns about open skate
Summary
The board approved a season-long request from the local hockey association to use midweek ice time for youth skills development; staff and board members discussed impacts to open skate, religious observance, staffing and revenue.
The Mitchell Park Board approved a request from the local hockey association to use midweek ice time this season to provide extra skills development for younger players, a request that drew discussion about impacts to the facilitys open-skate program and staffing.
Darcy Sabers, who identified herself as president of the hockey association, said the club wants a regular afternoon slot so 12-and-under players can get skills time separate from varsity-level practices. Sabers said that timing matters because some families observe church obligations and the association prefers early evening or late-afternoon sessions that let players arrive home in time for worship.
Board members and staff weighed trade-offs including the potential effect on open skate. Staff reported the rink sells roughly 120 "fun passes" that permit open-skate access and noted last year the city averaged about $47 in revenue on Wednesday open skates; an hour of organized hockey rental would generate about $83, staff said. Board members asked whether shifting time would reduce fun-pass value or public access. Staff also noted the facility would retain five open-skate days a week even if Wednesday sessions moved, keeping multiple public slots including weekend availability.
Jeremy, rink staff, said the organization can usually staff these sessions without hiring additional personnel and that resurfacing and routine staffing could be arranged around the schedule. Sabers added the association is preparing to host the girls varsity state tournament this season and said the extra ice access supports that effort.
The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the request; a voice vote resulted in approval. During debate, members suggested compromises such as alternate-week use if full-season access created conflicts with open public time.
Board members asked staff to monitor the schedule impact and any change in open-skate attendance or fun-pass sales; staff said they would follow up if the arrangement substantially reduced public availability.
