Menard Center a win for Wasilla despite its losing balance sheet

Many might grumble at the high cost of keeping the Menard Center open for business — after all, the facility is subsidized by taxpayers to the tune of about $500,000 per year — but those folks might not take into account many of the hidden benefits the 102,000 square foot center provides.

The Menard was never intended to be a moneymaker for Wasilla. Even during the planning phase, backers of the center touted it as an investment in the future.

“It is an investment in our community and an investment in our youth,” said the late Dr. Curt Menard, for whom the center is named.

Since it opened in 2004, the center has served admirably in the role of a focal point for the Wasilla community. It hosts hockey tournament, soccer matches, mixed martial arts fights and even — coming soon — a rodeo.

It’s difficult to put a dollar figure on how much these events are worth to the Mat-Su Valley. When hundreds of hockey fans drive out from Anchorage for the weekend, some will invariably buy a few tanks of gas out here or stop by one of our fast food joints for a bite to eat. These numbers don’t show up directly in the city’s bottom line, but it’s a good bet local business owners appreciate the boost in revenue.

It’s also not easy to calculate the dollar value of increased health and wellness, but the center has doubtless contributed to these areas as well. For every child who signs up for a learn-to-skate class or soccer program, fewer dollars must be spent down the road in public safety and health care costs borne by us all.

However, as Alaska now stands at the brink of a recession brought on by falling oil prices, taxpayers may not be as keen on footing the bill for the center. And the center has indeed struggled at times to keep revenues rolling in. The departure of the community’s junior hockey team, for example, left a hole in the center’s schedule that still hasn’t been completely filled.

That’s why it’s important for Wasilla city officials to continue the discussion on the Menard Center and its future. We applaud those who are working proactively to find new tenants and events for the facility, as these efforts are greatly needed to help shore up the Menard’s gap between revenues and expenses.

But just because the Menard is losing money doesn’t mean it’s a loser for Wasilla. Folks should be proud of the 12-year-old building, which continues to be one of the premier indoor sports facilities not just in the Mat-Su but in all of Alaska.