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Preliminary results from a study of the Kettering Ice Area show it is costing more to operate the facility than is being generated in revenues.
The results also show most city residents want to keep the facility even though most of them do not use it.
City officials must now decide whether to make repairs to the 43-year-old ice rink and keep it open or use it for another purpose.
“We will need a new roof and the existing cooling system for the ice pad needs to be replaced,” said Mary Beth Thaman, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts for the city.
The results of the study, started in 2014, will be presented to the public at a meeting at 6 p.m. June 8 at the Kettering Recreation Center.
The city spends about $900,000 dollars a year to operate the arena, while bringing in about $729,000 annually, according to Thaman.
The majority of the revenue comes from rentals, according to the analysis. Revenue is also generated from private lessons and admissions.
The study included a survey of approximately 900 Kettering residents to determine how many people use the arena. Eight percent of Kettering residents said they skate there. Those who don’t visit the facility said they still want it to remain open.
If the arena continues to function, it will need $6 to $7 million in upgrades, according to a Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems Analysis.
“It costs more money to keep open than it brings in,” Thaman said. “If it remains an ice arena, we are looking at bringing in new programs.”
Aside from ice skating, the facility hosts hockey games for Beavercreek High School and the University of Dayton. Taking it away would affect hockey in the region, Thaman said.
The city also asked residents what they would like to see 25,000-square-foot facility used for if it no longer hosts ice skating. Many of the residents said they want more indoor sports facilities, but the city is still working to determine if that is the best use of the space.
“Many of our schools already have indoor basketball courts,” Thaman said. “The city already provides many of the things residents asked for.”
Grant Henderson,19, said he does not ice skate but he thinks it should remain open for people who want to use it.
“I’ve always been a basketball player, but I think it would be sad to see the ice arena close.”
The ice arena was built in 1973 and renovated in 1990.
Tom Lehmkuhl, 72, of Kettering, said he used to take his children to the ice arena when they were younger and also does not want it to close.
“It seemed like they were pretty busy during the winter,” he said. “It is a good thing for kids to do.”
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