Palmer ice rink gets helping hand

PALMER -- The first day of summer also heralded some icy cool times on the way for the city of Palmer, which received $500,000 for a new ice rink from the Rasmuson Foundation during a grant awards session. This money was hoped for by the city during the planning stages of the rink project, but by no means finalized until now.

The award came as part of the foundation's latest round of grant awards totaling $5.3 million. Money went out from the foundation this year to cities and communities around the state, but Palmer was the only major Valley recipient.

In addition to the Rasmuson money, Palmer has received a $500,000 grant from the Mat-Su Borough for construction of the rink, a donation of approximately $136,000 from the Palmer Hockey Association, a $1.5-million bond approved by voters on last October's ballot, and several other donations totaling about $2.5 million. The amount should be enough to cover the rink's construction costs, said Palmer Public Works Superintendent Rick Koch.

"We're pretty much moneyed up right now," he said. "We've got all we need for a complete build-out."

According to Jeff Clark, spokesman for the foundation, the grant will be paid on a structured grant schedule determined by the city. When the money is required by Palmer during the construction and preparation process, it will be portioned out.

"It's entirely up to the city," Clark said. "This grant is a conversation between the foundation and the grant recipient."

Last winter, the city bought a used ice refrigeration system, scoreboard, skate sharpener, Zamboni and other equipment from the Bonnie Cusack Memorial Ice Arena in Anchorage upon its closing, allowing construction a little more financial leeway.

The Palmer ice rink, which is being constructed to provide cheaper, more accessible ice time to Palmer residents, fits the foundation's criteria of projects that benefit the public. "Historically, the foundation and the Rasmusons both have been committed to improving Alaskans' lives. This project is entirely consistent with the philosophy of the foundation," Clark said.

Clark noted that some of the deciding factors in the foundation's decision to grant the money were the rapid growth and demand for more recreational facilities within the Valley, the fact that the Palmer community seemed to exhibit great support for the project and the results of a market study showing an increased demand for ice time in Palmer.

"Our board listens to communities," said Clark. "This should be a wonderful facility for Palmer and the rest of the Valley."

Currently, Palmer residents wishing to use indoor ice must travel either to the Brett Memorial Ice Arena or the Wasilla Multi-Use Sports Complex, both in Wasilla.

Founded in 1955 to honor the memory of E.A. Rasmuson, who revived the financially troubled Bank of Alaska in the aftermath of the ruinous first World War, the Rasmuson Foundation today works to support nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for all Alaskans. Each year, millions of dollars of grant money are awarded to qualified organizations throughout the state.

Koch said that the foundation at the rink, near Palmer Junior Middle School, was recently poured and gravel recently laid in the parking lot. Soon, the building supports should be ready for placement.

Construction of the rink is on schedule and should be completed by Oct. 15, Koch said.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.