Save the Provo Peaks Ice Arena

20 years ago, Utah County and Provo City formed a partnership agreement to create an ice skating/hockey venue in Provo in anticipation of being a 2002 Olympic venue and for future ice-related recreational operation. Costs for construction were shared equally and both entities have shared operation costs to this day.

On March 23rd, Utah County delivered a “Notice of Termination” to end the relationship with Provo City in regards to the Peaks Ice Arena. This notice was signed by Commissioner Bill Lee.

Due to this action by Utah County, and with no other apparent partners in the market, Provo City’s ability to continue to operate the Peaks Ice Arena is severely compromised or impossible.

This “Notice of Termination” is likely to result in closure of the Peaks Ice Arena and sale of the land/building. In 180 days, there may not be an ice facility in Utah County.

With Countywide participation in figure skating, ice hockey, indoor soccer and public skating at an all-time high, this is a terrible time to push the Arena’s existence to the brink.

The Peaks Ice Arena has shown reduced operational subsidies every year.

Significant improvements have been funded by users, Utah County and Provo City including the ice refrigeration system, lighting, roofing and indoor turf. These investments should not be wasted by walking away.

The largest impacted group will be the youth of Utah County. Those wanting to continue participation in skating, hockey and group events will have to leave Utah County on a daily basis. These families pay taxes and vote in Utah County, so they expect services to be provided.

Utah County walking away from tax payer investments in the Peaks Ice Arena is a waste of public resources and the cooperative management agreement should be honored through the life of the arena.

Realistically, no other viable partners exist for Provo City, other that Utah County. Utah County terminating this agreement essentially closes the Arena at its most successful point.

When facilities and services are offered to Utah County residents, they become reliant on those services. The decision for the Arena to exist was made by previous County and City leaders. As the only ice arena in Utah County, this is their ONLY option for ice activities.

o Polar Bear Youth Hockey: Only 25% of participants Provo residents

o Peaks Adult Hockey League: Only 17% of team captains Provo residents

o Learn to Skate: Only 36% of participants Provo residents

- Non-Provo residents should stress this facilities impact to them as a Utah County resident.

The decision to back out of the agreement was made by the County Commissioners, who are elected officials.

County Commission Meetings are held every Tuesday at 9AM in the Commission Chambers in Room 1400 of the Utah County Administration Building (100 E Center St., Provo). There is time for public comment at the end of each meeting.

Bill Lee, Commission Chair
WilliamL@utahcounty.gov
(801) 851-8135

Greg Graves, Commission Vice-Chair
GregG@utahcounty.gov
(801) 851-8136

Nathan Ivie, Commissioner
NathanI@utahcounty.gov
(801) 851-8133