We have all noticed that there have been many exciting changes to the Ice Box this year. Here is a list
of just some of the improvements and a partial list of improvements we hope to have done for next year.
New Mondo rubber flooring was added in the entire lobby area for a safer and updated appearance.
The entire lobby and restrooms were painted.
A new security camera system was installed to insure safety both inside and outside the rink.
Several failed gas infrared heaters in rink 2 have been replaced with 10 new heaters for the comfort
of spectators. (Yeah!)
Compressors and electrical systems have received maintenance (more work and updating is still needed here)
The Zamboni received a new motor to insure the rinks kept up with ice time demands.
We are upgrading all of our lighting fixtures in both rinks, action which will reduce energy consumption
and increase lighting levels.
We are adding wireless internet to the lobby and seating areas, allowing parent s and fans to be more
productive while waiting on practicing hockey players and figure skaters.
The Ice Box is working with several community groups to bring under privileged children and their parents
to the rink on a monthly basis. Our goal is to provide the opportunity for everyone to experience
what great fun and exercise skating can be. Transpo has provided us with a bus to bring families
to the Ice Box at a reduced rate, however there is still cost involved. (Just $1500.00 covers the
cost of food, skate rental and the transportation for a group for 1 year!)
All of these improvements add to the enjoyment and welfare of the Ice Box players, families and our community.
The following is a break down of some of the improvements and program goals which we hope to achieve through our
fundraising efforts prior to the 2007-2008 hockey season.
New bleachers are needed for rink 2 to further support our growing Ice Box family.
The low silver ceiling in Rink 1 needs to be replaced. Many options are being explored, and this
expense alone may run close to $100,000.
We would like to construct four additional locker rooms adjacent to locker rooms 5-8, allowing us to
take # 1 through 4 out of service. This will allow us to eliminate the crowd – player traffic conflict that
occurs before and after games on rink one, conflict management that is particularly important to high school
and competitive tournament games.
We would like to make our lobby area more welcoming and appealing by adding a working
fireplace. Those of you who have visited rinks in Bloomington and Columbus know what a nice feature
this would be.
We want to increase our number of participants and strive to make hockey more affordable to all families
within our communities. We would like to offer our Learn to Skate Program for free or at a reduced
rate. The LTS program would not change, the structure will remain consistent, yet the costs would be
lower or there would be no cost. (Just $8,000.00 would allow 100 kids to enroll for free!)
Fundraising also directly affects players and families by giving them an opportunity to reduce player fees
through sponsorships.
This is just a start of what we can do with fundraising and help from you. If you or someone you know would
like more information on funding any of our projects please contact Mike McNeill or Becky Savage. Mike can
be reached at the Ice Box at 288-3300 or email at
. Becky can be reached at home at 273-9120 or email at
.
Thanks for all the past and future support of your Ice Box Family!!
