"I'd like to skate where the ice isn't all smoochy. It would be nice to have a warm place for our parents and grandparents to watch us. We wouldn't have to worry about the weather and could skate whenever we wanted to." Palmer Kelsey, 8 

"I don't like skating when it is really cold outside. I want to be a professional hockey player when I grow up. I like to skate with my mom and dad." Henry Kelsey, 4

"Our family has enjoyed being a part of your Youth Hockey program for six years now. Your program challenged and nurtured their abilities. We were continually amazed at how everyone in the program was focused on the kids and helping them learn the game of hockey without losing sight of the two most important elements to team sports. It’s a game so have fun, and it’s a game so everyone plays. Thank you and your members for all their efforts for my kids and all the others." The Keadle Family

"An indoor hockey rink would be a great benefit to our family. Our son
Jeremy would like to be more active in hockey by having the opportunity to advance to a more competitive level. With the benefits of an indoor rink he will be able to accomplish this without having to travel to Green Bay. We feel that this facility will also give the youth in our community a chance to meet other youths in an enjoyable atmosphere." Dean, Linda, Tamara & Jeremy Tebon

0                                               3.5%

1                                               41.0%

2                                               53.4%

3                                               2.2%

Lodging $95.58

Restaurants $76.30

Grocery Stores $13.33

Apparel $12.83

Gasoline/Service $82.49

Misc. Retail $10.78

Entertainment $15.09

Other $ 6.91

Total $313.31

In 1997 there were a total of 1,446 teams in the State of Wisconsin, with an average of 12.2 players per team.

UP Michigan 239 teams

Minnesota 3,497 teams

Illinois 1,967 teams

Iowa 213 teams

In Wisconsin there are 13 counties under 30,000 in population that have at least one ice

arena. There are also six counties larger than 30,000 in population that have one arena for every 22,000 in population or less. The counties are as follows:

Ashland 16,627 1

Burnett 16,528 2

Iowa 23,659 1

Iron 6,649 1

Jackson 19,758 1

Juneau 26,725 1

Langlade 20,735 1

Price 15,220 2

Sawyer 16,975 1

Taylor 19,766 1

Vernon 29,055 1

Vilas 22,330 1

Washburn 16,601 2

Barron 45,834 3

Douglas 44,208 2

Lincoln 30,318 2

Monroe 42,644 2

Oneida 36,994 2

Sauk 57,746 3

An ice arena will allow for the growth of existing ice-related activities in Door County. Currently, these include youth hockey (100), adult hockey (30), broomball (120) and recreational skating (200). Within five years of opening, it is anticipated that existing programming will grow.

The youth hockey program is expected to grow relatively quickly once stable ice time is available. Parents have indicated that their kids like hockey, but they want to have their kids in something they can count on and with the reliance on weather at this time, this is not possible. In most communities the dominant user of arenas is youth hockey. It is anticipated that Door County can support ten youth hockey teams. This is based on the current participation levels in the existing Door County program and on youth hockey activity in other counties that have facilities similar to those proposed for Door County.

Burnett 2,959 130 10 4.4%

St. Croix 13,361 470 26 3.5%

Marinette 9,866 186 12 1.9%

Manitowoc 19,143 154 11 0.8%

3-18 YR OLDS - population from the 2000 Census in that age cohort

KIDS ON TEAMS & #TEAMS - information provided by the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association (W.A.H.A.)

PARTIC. - participation rate or the number of kids on teams, divided by the population of kids aged 3-18 years

Adult hockey will likely continue to grow as the current young hockey players get older and former hockey players, who have moved into the area, learn of the program. This programming currently consists of an adult pickup league that plays twice a week. Not all youth will remain in the area, but there are still a good number of players who have not participated in the local program because of the inconsistency of the outdoor ice. Many adult players in the county drive to DePere and Green Bay to play hockey indoors. It is anticipated that within five years of opening participation levels would double.

Broomball has developed in the northern end of the county on the outdoor rink in Sister Bay. There are broomball players from all parts of the county with some interest in starting broomball in Sturgeon Bay. In Northern Door there have been seven to eight teams with an average of fifteen players per team. An indoor rink would add constancy to the scheduling and allow for more ice time for broomball teams. With an indoor arena, adult leagues and possibly youth leagues, which are popular in Minnesota, could increase to 200 players.

Currently, recreational skating is subject to the same weather-related limitations as youth hockey. Based on the counts at the outdoor rink in Sturgeon Bay, it is believed that there are approximately 200 people that use the rink in the winter. It is expected that this number would likely go up with an indoor rink and the development of Learn-to-Skate programs and youth-related skating programming, such as teen skating nights on weekends and mom and tot Learn-to-Skate programs. It is considered reasonable to assume with the availability of regular ice, the number of recreational skaters would at least double to more than 400.

In a 100-mile radius of Sturgeon Bay there are 16 Figure Skating Associations registered with US Figure Skating. The average participation rate in counties with associations is 15%.

These are competitive skaters and their numbers do not include participants in the Basic Skills Programs. US Figure Skating does not track the numbers of skaters at the Basic Skills levels, but the numbers are generally believed to be higher than the number of competitive skaters. The 15% participation rate would indicate a potential 40 competitive skaters. It is considered likely that there would be at least as many at the basic skills level. This would account for a projection of 80 participants in five years.

Wisconsin has the highest number of Curlers in the United States. The demographics of Door County are well suited to the development of Curling. The national Curling Association indicates that 49% of curlers are over the age of 50. Given this, it is considered likely that Curling can be developed in the County.

Youth Hockey: 100

Adult Hockey: 30

Recreational Skating: 200

Broomball: 120

Total: 450

Youth Hockey: 160

Adult Hockey: 60

Recreational Skating: 400

Broomball: 200

Figure Skaters: 80

Curling: 25

Speed Skating: ?

Total 925

Each of these users would have their own practice and in-house competitions, as well as events such as tournaments, which would involve bringing in competitors from outside Door County.

The estimated costs are based on the plans and construction budget provided by Cover All, Isaksen Architects, LLC and by our building committee.

Given that the arena is being developed in an area with little existing program and that management would likely be a mix of volunteer and part time staff, a conservative approach to use projections has been developed.

Cash flow projections have been developed based on surveys from Wisconsin Ice Arena Managers Association, New East Ice Skating Managers Association, the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association, population data, operating data from newer ice arenas and Ashwaubenon Ice Management, Inc.

The rate for prime time ice use is estimated to be $150 per hour. Based on the ice arena operating information, $150.00 is near the lower end of what many arenas in Northern Wisconsin are charging. The rate for weekday daytime hours is estimated at $60 per hour.

Door County Skate, inc. anticipates contracting management out to a firm such as Ashwaubenon Ice Management, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that manages the Cornerstone Community Ice Center in Ashwaubenon. We are also in discussion with the Sturgeon Bay branch of the YMCA for some programming management.

Labor costs of $30,000 per year are estimated. This figure includes all payroll expense. It is felt that a paid staff is needed to supplement volunteer labor and time.

Other expenses are based on operation data from other facilities around the state and nation.

Expenses are projected to increase at a rate of three percent. The exception is cost of concession goods, which are estimated at 50% of sales.

We anticipate a steady growth of tournaments over the first few years based on feedback we have received from teams in Northeastern Wisconsin. We expect to start with just four the first year s it is hard to schedule tournaments in the fall. Most of the scheduling is done early in the season’s planning stages. We expect a great response after the first season of operation.

A five-year cash flow projection has been developed to account for the gradual increase in participation. The five years of cash flow projections are based on the following:

 Year #1

Youth Hockey: 26 hours per week @ $150 per hour for 20 weeks

Figure Skating: 1 hour per week @ $150 per hour for twenty weeks

Adult Hockey: 3 hours per week @ $135 per hour for twenty weeks

Broom Ball: 3 hours per week @ $135 per hour for twenty weeks 

Adult Hockey Tournaments: In year one it is estimated that there would be one 4-team tournament, generating $1,500 (four teams @ $375).

Open Skating @ $3.00 per hour and Open Hockey @ $5.00 per hour: $2,500 for twenty weeks

Concession Revenues: Based on anticipated usage and from other arenas’ histories.

Advertising: Based on the sale of signs. Each sign space in the rink is estimated to sell for $250 per year. It is estimated that 30 signs will be sold in the first year.

Other Ice Rentals: It is likely that the facilities could be rented out for things, such as birthday parties. This is estimated to generate $1,000 the first year.

Youth Hockey: 26 hours per week @ $157.50 for 20 weeks

Figure Skating: 1 hour per week @ $157.5 for 20 weeks

Adult Hockey: 3 hours @ $141.75 per hour for 20 weeks

Broom Ball: 3 hours @ $141.75 per hour for 20 weeks

Youth Tournaments: In year two it is estimated that there would be two 4-team tournaments, generating $3,000 (8 teams @ $375 per team).

Adult Hockey Tournaments: In year two it is estimated that there would be one 4-team tournament, generating $1,500 (four teams @ $375). 

Open Skating and Open Hockey: This is anticipated to increase to $2,750.

Concession Revenues: Based on anticipated usage and from other arenas’ histories

Advertising this is based on the sale of signs. Each sign space in the rink is estimated to sell for $250 per year. It is estimated that 35 signs will be sold in the second year.

Other Ice Rentals: This is estimated to increase to $2,000 the second year.

.

Youth Hockey: 26 hours per week @ $165.38 for 20 weeks

Figure Skating: 1 hour per week @ $165.38 for 20 weeks

Adult Hockey: 3 hours @ $148.83 per hour for 20 weeks

Broom Ball: 3 hours @ $148.83 per hour for 20 weeks

Youth Tournaments: In year three it is estimated that there would be three 4-team tournaments, generating $4,500 (12 teams @ $375 per team).

Adult Hockey Tournaments: In year three it is estimated that there would be two 4-team tournaments, generating $3,000 (eight teams @ $375).

Open Skating and Open Hockey: This is anticipated to increase to $3,025.

Concession Revenues: Based on anticipated usage and from other arenas histories

Advertising: Based on the sale of signs. Each sign space in the rink is estimated to sell for $250 per year. It is estimated that 40 signs will be sold in the third year.

Other Ice Rentals: This is estimated to increase to $3,000 the third year.

Youth Hockey: 26 hours per week @ $173.65 for 20 weeks

Figure Skating: 1 hour per week @ $173.65 for 20 weeks

Adult Hockey: 3 hours @ $156.28 per hour for 20 weeks

Broom Ball: 3 hours @ $156.38 per hour for 20 weeks

Youth Tournaments: In year four it is estimated that there would be four 4-team tournaments, generating $6,000 (16 teams @ $375 per team).

Adult Hockey Tournaments: In year four it is estimated that there would be one 4-team and one 8-team tournament, generating $4,500 (twelve teams @ $375).

Open Skating and Open Hockey: This is anticipated to increase to $3,328.

Concession Revenues: Based on anticipated usage and from other arenas’ histories

Advertising: Based on the sale of signs. Each sign space in the rink is estimated to sell for $250 per year. It is estimated that 40 signs will be sold in the fourth year.

Other Ice Rentals: This is estimated to increase to $3,300 in the fourth year.

Youth Hockey: 26 hours per week @ $182.33 for 20 weeks

Figure Skating: 1 hour per week @ $182.33 for 20 weeks

Adult Hockey: 3 hours @ $164.10 per hour for 20 weeks

Broom Ball: 3 hours @ $164.10 per hour for 20 weeks

Youth Tournaments: In year five it is estimated that there would be five 4-team tournaments, generating $7,500 (20 teams @ $375 per team).

Adult Hockey Tournaments: In year five it is estimated that there would be one 4-team and one 8-team tournament, generating $4,500 (twelve teams @ $375).

Open Skating and Open Hockey: This is anticipated to increase to $3,660.

Concession Revenues: Based on anticipated usage and from other arenas’ histories

Advertising: Based on the sale of signs. Each sign space in the rink is estimated to sell for $250 per year. It is estimated that 40 signs will be sold in the fifth year.

Other Ice Rentals: This is estimated to increase to $3,630 in the fifth year.

There is a number of private nonprofit association owned and operated rinks in the State. The following are a few examples from those that shared income and expense information.

The Cornerstone Community Ice Center in Ashwaubenon;

In 2003 this facility had a gross income of $590,000 with total expenses of $541,000 leaving a profit of $49,000.

The Hudson hockey Association Rink in Hudson Wisconsin;

In 2003-2004 this rink had gross income of $371,539 with total expenses of $339,198, leaving a profit of $42,341. This included $48,000 in depreciation expense. The actual positive cash flow was $90,341.

In 2002-2003 this rink had a gross income of $360,513 with total with total expenses of $353,552, leaving a profit of $6,961. This included $48,248 in depreciation expense. The actual positive cash flow was $55,209.

The McFarland Community Ice Arena, McFarland Wisconsin;

This rink reported the following income and expenses (excluding debt service):

02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99

Income: $240,619 $241,848 $258,413 $264,813 $283,590

Expenses: 155,308 138,681 150,874 123,517 136,370

Cash Flow: $ 85,311 $103,167 $107,539 $141,296 $147,220

These are the rinks that provided information. All of them show a positive cash flow. This is felt to be evidence that a privately run rink can be successful.

FAQ’s

Q. Why did you enter into a land lease agreement with the county when you already have a parcel of land to build on?

A. Because our feasibility study suggested that we should be located closer to the residential area of Sturgeon Bay and near stores and restaurants that will be used by visitors. We are also going to be closer to schools and the Sturgeon Bay YMCA.

Q. Who is responsible for the upkeep of the facility?

A. During the time that DCS is using the facility, DCS will be. When it is used by Door County Parks and the 4H horse & pony program, they will be.

Q. By relocating the current horse ring to an area near the soccer fields, how will that affect the soccer operation?

A. The D.C. Parks director, George Pinney, has discussed the issue with the soccer association and they will have plenty of parking for their needs and the portion of the property needed for relocating the current horse ring will not be needed for the soccer fields.

Q. Hockey can be an expensive sport, how do help those that may not be able to afford the sport?

A. Since our inception, we have been sensitive to that fact and we have raised money to purchase equipment that can be used for youth that cannot afford to purchase the necessary safety gear. The families can trade volunteer time for the use of the gear.

Q. Are naming rights available?

A. Yes, we are open to naming rights for a number of areas such as the building or the ice resurfacer.

Q. How is the Youth Hockey group going to raise the necessary capital to keep the ice time more affordable?

A. Currently the Youth Hockey group has had a successful annual golf outing and has had support from the Sturgeon Bay Optimists. They are aware that they need to continue to pursue other fundraisers and are developing methods.

Q. Why are seasonal residents being asked to support this project?

A. Because this project will improve the quality of life for the full time residents that are responsible for improving the quality of life for the seasonal residents.