Moffat County Commissioners approved a bid recommendation on April 9 that proposed outsourcing the management of the county’s Loudy-Simpson Park Ice Arena to an outside operator.

Presented by Neil Binder, head of Development Services, the proposal was born out of a yearlong assessment aimed at maximizing the utilization of the arena. Binder emphasized the underutilized strengths of the community asset and highlighted the potential for enhanced community engagement and activities.

“There might be another opportunity out there for our community to get more use out of it,” Binder told county commissioners.

To tap into this potential, the county recently initiated a bid request for the management of the ice arena. The request outlined the community’s needs, including increased ice time availability, upgraded activity schedules, expansion of the hockey program and improved access for youth who may not have had prior opportunities to utilize the facility.

In response to the request, Extreme Hockey, based in Carbondale, submitted the sole bid.

Speaking via a video feed at the meeting, Executive Director Sheldon Wolitski outlined his company’s successful track record in Carbondale and Rifle. Wolitski expressed enthusiasm about replicating this success in Craig, while emphasizing the underutilized potential of the indoor facility.

Wolitski proposed a comprehensive plan to revitalize the ice arena. He projected commencing ice-making operations in mid-August with the goal of offering year-round access to the facility beginning in September.

Wolitski underscored the broader community benefits associated with enhanced facility management, such as economic stimulation and increased recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. He touched on the potential for hosting hockey camps during the summer months and attracting former NHL players to facilitate these camps. He also mentioned expanding the hockey offerings, and introducing events and other sports such as curling.

“I think it would be a great opportunity, not only just for the community, but also the economic stimulation it would bring in with hundreds of families coming in and utilizing the Craig amenities,” Wolitski said.

The proposed lease agreement spans an initial three-year term with options for renewal. Noting the nominal lease payment of $1,000, Binder clarified that the true value of the arrangement would come from the substantial cost savings for the county by alleviating the burden of operational expenses and personnel management for the arena. He conservatively estimated that amount could reach upward of $100,000.

The commissioners expressed support for the bid, voting unanimously to approve Wolitski’s lease.

“I think it’s a great idea,” commissioner Tony Bohrer said, highlighting the increased public access to the facility and the possibility of adding future amenities, such as a seasonal outdoor rink.

“It’s a great opportunity for Craig,” commissioner Melody Villard concurred, citing potential youth development, mentorship and volunteer opportunities for older kids in the community.

Commissioner Donald Broom emphasized the potential economic boost from camps and event revenue.

“People are going to make their way to Craig, Colorado,” Broom said.

Following approval, Wolitski thanked the commissioners and extended an invitation, stating that he’s looking forward to seeing them “out on the ice rink in skates soon.”

The decision was also met with enthusiasm from various community stakeholders, including Craig mayor Chris Nichols and Craig Youth Hockey Association president Jessica Binder.

Nichols lauded the county’s novel solution at the most recent City Council meeting, calling it “very interesting and very progressive.”

Jessica Binder, meanwhile, expressed enthusiasm about the universal benefits of the arrangement.

“I’m looking at it very positively and we’re very excited,” she said. “We’re very excited for us, but we’re also very excited for the community.”