On Thin Ice
There’s a reason people come back to Eagle River. The pace is slower, the winters still matter no matter the weather, and the rink, the Dome, has always been consistent. Generations have grown up inside its walls. And right now…it’s hanging by a thread.
On Thursday, July 10, the Eagle River Recreation Association (ERRA) is hosting its annual Bourbon & Beer fundraiser at Eagle Waters Resort. This year’s event carries a level of urgency unlike any before. Every dollar raised will once again go directly toward the replacement of the rink’s failing ice plant, a system that, after four decades, is dangerously close to collapse.
The ice plant isn’t necessarily something you consider as you enter into our association. It’s the industrial system that chills and maintains the ice surface, made up of compressors, chillers, a cooling tower, and outdated controls that together enable year round skating in the Northwoods.
Right now, that system is failing. Since 2022, ERRA has spent over $100,000 just to keep it running. These aren’t longterm improvements, they’re emergency repairs and custom workarounds to hold the plant together a little longer.
The original cooling tower is corroded from decades of hard water buildup. The internal aluminum tubing, critical for heat transfer, is now paper thin. The coolant and replacement parts are either obsolete or must be fabricated from scratch. And the control systems that regulate it all were designed for an era when “manual override” meant flipping a physical switch. A full replacement system for our two sheet facility is estimated at $1.75 million.
“We’re one failure away from pulling the ice,” said Jason Skarda, who manages the rink’s mechanical systems over the past 4 years. “The system’s fragile. We’ve retrofitted all we can. We’ve been living on borrowed time for a while now.”
The truth is, we’ve stretched this plant further than it was ever meant to go. But we’re at the end. And there’s no backup plan, because without an ice plant…there’s no ice.
Each winter, the rink brings hundreds of families to Eagle River every weekend for tournaments, events, and programs. Those families stay in hotels, buy gas, shop in town, and eat at local restaurants.
“Tens of thousands of dollars flow into the community each weekend because of the rink,” said ERRA Board Member Brad Adamovich. “Without ice, that all disappears. And in a time when snowmobiling and other winter tourism have become less reliable, the rink provides consistent, needed revenue for our businesses.”
Truly, the rink is more than a sports facility. It’s a year round economic driver. It’s also a rare space in the community where kids of all ages can gather, socialize, and grow up safely…without screens, without distractions, and with the mentorship and structure that ice sports provide.
“It’s a community building,” Adamovich said. “It’s a place where families come together. A place you can bring your kids, your grandkids, and know you’re part of something.”
Why Bourbon & Beer Matters Now This isn’t a wish list upgrade. A new ice plant is the only path forward. The current system is more than 40 years old, long past its intended lifespan. Modern plants offer energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and long term viability. But the up front cost is significant.
Bourbon & Beer fundraiser is a great first step, but the ERRA will have to continue to fundraise in phases and is seeking help in multiple forms, including: High value live and silent auction items, major gift pledges from individuals, families, and alumni. Partnerships with businesses or donors interested in naming rights. *If you’re able to help with auction procurement or would like to discuss a larger financial commitment, please reach out to skate@erra.com.
“This Board is more committed than ever to shifting the culture in a positive direction, getting back to the basics and refocusing on what makes our rink special,” said Abbey Gatlin, ERRA Secretary. “Your support at Bourbon & Beer and future fundraising efforts are part of that shift. We are urging anyone who has ever skated or stepped inside our rink, whether for a Silver Blades show, a youth hockey tournament, a Falcon game or even Pines Classic, please consider attending and supporting. Let's come together!”
This is not just a fundraising event held out of tradition or optics. It’s a direct response to the threat of losing something that matters, economically and personally. The Dome is a landmark and a legacy. For over 90 years, it’s been kept alive by the people who use it, love it, and show up for it when it counts. We hope to see you on July 10.
To make a general donation click HERE