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Council invites written proposal for ice‑arena project at Sullivan property after Innovia donor presentation
Summary
Innovia Foundation and a private benefactor presented a proposal to develop a dual ice rink and mixed‑use site at the city’s Sullivan property; council gave consensus (6–1) for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a written proposal for staff review.
Innovia Foundation and a private benefactor presented a concept Tuesday to build a dual‑rink ice facility on 11 acres the city acquired at Sullivan, adjacent to Sullivan Park. After the presentation, the Spokane Valley City Council gave consensus—6 to 1—for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a detailed written proposal for the council and city staff to review.
John Homan, City Manager, and Shelley O'Quinn of Innovia Foundation outlined the opportunity. O'Quinn said the benefactor’s intent is to provide capital so the facility would have “no capital debt,” and that the larger site could accommodate revenue‑generating components such as a hotel and retail to support long‑term operating sustainability. O'Quinn described Innovia’s role as facilitator for donors, non‑profits and community partners and noted the idea fits prior tourism and economic development studies (2016, updated 2023) that identified ice facilities as a regional need.
Eric Lamb, Deputy City Manager, said the city and Innovia have discussed several statutory and structural options and that the next step is for Innovia and the benefactor to submit a written proposal describing the vision, facilities, operations model and proposed city role. Lamb said staff would then return with options and, if council wants to continue, a public process including possible public hearings.
Mayor Haley (participating remotely) and other council members praised the donor’s generosity and the project’s potential tourism and youth‑engagement benefits. Councilmember Elizabeth Merkel voiced concern about municipal involvement and sustainability and said she would be cautious about city participation without clearer private‑sector commitments.
Council consensus was recorded 6–1 in favor of requesting a formal proposal. Staff and Innovia emphasized the action requested was to review a written proposal, not a commitment of city funds or approval of land use. If Innovia and the benefactor submit a proposal, staff said it will analyze statutory options, potential city roles, and any required public processes before any formal council action.
