Plans for development for a new seasonal ice rink and multipurpose event center at Yamaguchi Park South were presented to the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board in April by Brian Collabolletta, who represented the nonprofit board spearheading the multipurpose pavilion (MPP) project.
During the tourism board’s April 2 meeting, Collabolletta explained that the nonprofit originally planned to go after grant funding two years ago in order to construct a roof at the ice rink previously located at South Pagosa Park.
However, the Town of Pagosa Springs ended up pursuing the same grant for a different project, delaying the MPP’s roof project, he noted.
The tourism board unanimously approved recommending the transfer of $500,000 from reserves into a line item in the town’s trust/impact fund, according to a May 6 Pagosa Springs Town Council agenda brief prepared by Tourism Executive Director Jennifer Green.
Green then met with the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on May 13 during a work session, informing the BoCC that the town council approved the request, allowing the pavilion project to leverage the $500,000 as a cash match to pursue grant funding.
Green explained that, in 2023, both the BoCC and town council approved moving $500,000 from lodging tax reserves into a restricted fund that was “earmarked for an event venue.”
She explained that, at that time, the tourism board did not have a specific location or project in mind and that “the intent was to put money aside for the future opportunity of perhaps using it … for a grant match.”
Green mentioned that the board assumed whatever project did come up would be expensive and the likelihood of coming up with matching funds “would be difficult” if funds were not already set aside.
Green explained that Collabolletta has worked with the MPP for years, noting, “The tourism board has been very supportive of all their efforts.”
Green explained that the MPP faced challenges running the ice rink at the South Pagosa Park location without a roof. She indicated that the MPP nonprofit is proposing to develop a pavilion that would have a refrigerated ice rink that could operate five to six months out of the year.
Green also mentioned that the nonprofit has identified new funding opportunities and requested the tourism board to use the $500,000 as matching funds for possible grants.
Green noted that the tourism board agreed to do so, adding that the matter was then presented to the town council and “they also agreed.”
Green also mentioned that the worst-case scenario would be that the MPP is not awarded grant funds and the $500,000 “remains intact and will not be spent.”
Green went on to explain the venue would be a “year-round event venue as well,” also noting, “We do not have the specifics on how the venue will be managed or run.”
She explained that the nonprofit is looking into operating the venue and that “those details can be worked out down the road.”
Green described the issue of who would be managing the venue as a good problem to have and that the ice rink would provide a “great winter activity” while not being as dependent on Mother Nature.
“So that is the ask before you guys,” Green stated to the BoCC.
Commissioner Warren Brown commented on the venue being built as a year-round event center, “yet in the plan I don’t see a single thing that speaks to anything other than the ice rink, Zambonis, food truck, bleachers, warming shed, skate shack.”
Brown noted that it is all very specific to the ice rink, asking if this could be a “place we could bring maybe a festival.”
Green explained that having a covered venue is beneficial for operating the ice rink and that it would also allow for potential events, noting the town’s stage would be able to fit under the covered area.
“It would turn into an event venue,” she said, explaining the ice could be covered for different events.
“So, there are opportunities to do that,” Green added, noting that retractable side walls may also be featured in the venue’s design.
Green mentioned that restrooms have not been factored into the design yet, but noted that there would be ample parking at Yamaguchi Park South.
Green also noted that in speaking with Collabolletta, “they have a lot of donors that are willing to put money in if the town and county put money in.”
The overall cost of the venue is $3.5 million, according to Collabolletta’s presentation to the tourism board.
In an email to The SUN on Thursday, May 29, County Manager Jack Harper indicated there is no set timeline as to when the BoCC will discuss approving the transferring of funds.
The next BoCC meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at 398 Lewis Street.
Additional information on the proposed multipurpose pavilion can be found in the April 17 issue of The SUN in the article, “Tourism board recommends funding for multipurpose pavilion, ice rink.”
clayton@pagosasun.com
