Council Considers Proposal for Donation of New Ice Facility

Community invited to share their thoughts on the proposal during a public input session at the Sept. 30 City Council meeting.

SPOKANE VALLEY, WA - At the Sept. 23 Spokane Valley City Council meeting, Councilmembers received a presentation from Innovia Foundation, representing a local benefactor, regarding a proposal to construct a regional ice facility. Funding for the proposed project would be provided by the local benefactor and developed on city-owned property. City Councilmembers invite the community to provide comment on the proposal at a public input session on Tuesday, Sept. 30, during the 6 p.m. Council meeting at Spokane Valley City Hall.

As presented, the proposed 65,000 square foot facility will feature NHL-sized dual ice sheets, with an estimated value of $44 million. The project aims not only to provide an ice facility to enhance youth sports and economic development in the community, but also to support the development of additional infrastructure, including a hotel and commercial spaces.

"This project represents far more than the construction of an arena. It is an investment in Spokane Valley's vitality - expanding recreation, strengthening tourism and driving long-term economic opportunity," said Shelly O'Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovia Foundation. "The proposed facility will broaden access to ice sports while also offering inclusive programming designed to equip young people with mentorship, life skills and confidence that extend well beyond the rink and into their schools, careers and civic lives."

The proposal identified a strong regional interest in the facility, presenting letters of support from key stakeholders, including the Spokane Chiefs, Spokane Jr. Chiefs, Spokane Sports and four local school districts. In addition, the city's 2023 Tourism Strategic Plan identified an ice sheet facility as one of the top tourism opportunities for Spokane Valley.

The proposal identifies the city's newly acquired Sullivan Property north of Sullivan Park and the Spokane River as the location for the project. The Innovia Foundation, representing a philanthropic benefactor, is seeking a long-term 99-year ground lease for the 11-acre site. It also includes an option for the City to purchase the facility for $9.4 million, now or in the future, should there be interest. While the proposed ice facility and additional commercial spaces would be paid in full by the benefactor, other donors and private funding sources, the proposal asks that the City participate in the development of road and utility improvements.

City staff will present estimated costs and community benefits and outline the potential economic impact of the facility during the Sept. 30 Council meeting and public input session.

For more information, view the Sept. 23 Council presentation or meeting materials.

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