The Forge plans Central Oregon’s first year-round two-sheet ice facility

The Forge Community Iceplex announced plans for a 70,000-square-foot nonprofit ice complex in Bend, Oregon, backed entirely by community investment. The project aims to give Central Oregon its first dedicated year-round ice home for hockey, figure skating, public skating and community events.

Why it matters: - Central Oregon currently has no year-round dedicated ice facility, leaving players and families dependent on a seasonal rink that operates for about five months a year. - The Forge is designed to give Bend a permanent ice home for hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate programs, public skating and curling. - The project is structured as a debt-free nonprofit, which is meant to reduce the financial risks that have challenged many ice facilities.

What happened: - The Forge Community Iceplex announced plans for a 70,000-square-foot facility in Northeast Bend on a seven-acre campus. - The complex will include two NHL-regulation ice sheets that can host simultaneous games. - The project will be funded through community investment and operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. - The capital campaign has set a $40 million goal. - The project has secured $10 million so far, equal to 25% of total project cost. - A site has already been selected in Northeast Bend. - Individuals and businesses can support the project through TheForgeIce.com/support.

The details: - The facility is planned to operate 365 days a year. - The design includes an athletic lodge with a restaurant and bar. - The project also calls for a pro shop, gym and training space, and event facilities. - The venue is intended to host youth and adult leagues, tournaments and community events. - The Forge will also support figure skating clubs and competitions, learn-to-skate programs and public skating sessions. - The nonprofit says naming opportunities and founding donor recognition are available at multiple investment levels. - The Forge says the project will be funded entirely through community investment and will operate debt-free.

Between the lines: - The Forge is positioning itself as a response to long-running regional demand, with leaders saying families and programs have struggled to secure ice time. - The NHL Greener Rinks Initiative says over 80% of North American ice facilities are more than 20 years old, and many face closure because of debt service, high energy costs and reliance on a single revenue stream. - The Forge is using that backdrop to argue for modern construction, diversified revenue and year-round programming as a more durable model. - Board President Derek Meyer said Central Oregon has the demand and community support to build something that lasts. - Founding Board Member John Kromm said the need for the facility is real and that The Forge is intended to fill it. - Founding Donor and Board Member Julia Lehmann said the project is also meant to be a gathering place for families and the broader community.

What's next: - The capital campaign will continue as The Forge seeks to close the gap between the $10 million raised and the $40 million goal. - The Forge plans to move forward on development for the Northeast Bend site. - The organization is also seeking additional donors and business support through its fundraising effort. - The company’s public presence includes LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - If fully funded and built as planned, The Forge would become Central Oregon’s first year-round, two-sheet ice center and a new anchor for Bend’s skating and hockey community.