Gallatin Ice Foundation breaks ground on ice arena Aug. 11

Construction of a 36,000-square-foot building that will eventually house Bozeman’s second refrigerated ice skating rink will begin soon.
 
The Gallatin Ice Foundation says Martel Construction will break ground on the steel structure, which will be located on the west side of the existing Haynes Pavilion, on Monday, Aug. 11.
 
The groundbreaking concludes step one of the foundation’s ‘Raise the Ice Barn’ project, which also included construction of a new entry on the east side of Haynes Pavilion and parking lot paving, which were both completed late last year.
 
Chelsea Schmidt, development director for the Gallatin Ice Foundation, explained that construction will take place in multiple steps, and with step one complete, the group is now focused on raising $1.5 million for step two, which will result in skate-able ice.
 
“Our committee is working hard to get the money raised,” said Schmidt. “We are writing grants, looking at private and public partnerships and looking to the community for their support, as well.”
 
Currently, the Haynes Pavilion rink has skaters from 6 a.m. to midnight every day during the seven-month skating season, with no room for expanded ice times. The shortage of ice makes it difficult to meet current demands, add more skaters, offer public skating, host regional tournaments or provide training for competitive figure skaters.
 
Step two will include enclosing the building as well as installation of the ice plant, refrigerated rink slab and floor, mechanical room, building lighting and interim locker rooms, bathrooms and seating. Schmidt said construction for that could begin as early as April 2015.
 
Future steps will commence once the arena has a skate-able sheet of ice and is generating income. It will include permanent seating, expanded locker rooms, concessions, central entry and a skate shop.
 
The total project is expected to cost $4.5 million.
 
A celebration for the groundbreaking will be held at 406 Brewing Company, located at 101 E. Oak St., from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, where $1 of every pint sold will be donated to the Gallatin Ice Foundation.
 
About the Gallatin Ice Foundation: Established in 2006, the Gallatin Ice Foundation (GIF) is a 501c non-profit organization that has spearheaded efforts to raise funds for the expanded recreational and competitive skating experience the community desires. Aligning forces of all ice users as well as the hockey and figure skating clubs, it has diligently focused on raising funds for a second ice sheet adjacent to the current rink at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.