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Jackson council approves up to $1.2 million amendment for Snow King grandstands and girls' locker room
Summary
After public testimony from hockey players, parents and CMI representatives, the council approved a budget amendment to fund improvements at the Snow King Sports and Events Center, including a dedicated girls’ locker room and grandstand upgrades. Supporters cited safety, ADA access and equity; some councilors urged phased spending and more philanthropic fundraising.
CMI, the nonprofit that operates the Snow King Sports and Events Center, asked the Jackson Town Council on Dec. 15 to approve roughly $1.2 million in town funds to replace aging grandstands and build a dedicated girls’ locker room.
"The combined grandstand and locker rooms amounts to $1,752,000," said Andrew Bridal, a CMI board member, urging the council to approve the full-construction option rather than a phased approach. He told councilors CMI had raised $100,000 and had pledges toward an additional $350,000 but that pledges would need to be reconfirmed.
The request focused on safety and accessibility. "The railings are missing and not all of them ... it's really risky," public commenter Bob Culver said, describing missing handrails and limited seating for patrons with mobility needs. John Morgan, the Wyoming Amateur Hockey Association's girls player-development director, told the council the investment would sustain Jackson’s successful girls' hockey programs.
Town staff briefed council members on options to pay for the project, noting the town’s capital fund balance and the alternative of placing the work in next year’s budget. Town staff said the capital fund had an estimated balance of about $8 million at fiscal-year end and that general-fund alternatives existed but would affect other priorities.
Council debate centered on timing, budget discipline and the balance between doing the entire project at once versus a phased approach. Some councilors argued an all-at-once plan saves money in the long run and better addresses Safety and ADA issues; others said the project should be considered within the regular budget cycle to weigh trade-offs with other capital needs. Councilors repeatedly asked CMI to increase philanthropic support so the town’s contribution would be reduced.
After discussion and public comment from athletes, coaches and community members, the council voted to approve the staff-recommended motion to amend the fiscal-year 2026 budget to fund Snow King improvements up to the figure presented to the council. The motion was moved and seconded by council members on the record and carried at the Dec. 15 meeting.
The town manager said staff will return with contract language and precise accounting and noted that any phase or payment schedule would be clarified before funds are expended.
What’s next: Staff will draft the budget amendment paperwork and report back on exact sources (capital or general fund) and any third-party contributions that offset the town’s share.
