Why do we need a new facility?
Our current rink at Chapman Hill is no longer enough to support the explosive growth of ice sports in Durango.
FOUNDATION ISSUES:
The rink is shifting due to a spring beneath it, and the back hill is collapsing, causing the ice to lift on one side. A 2025 study will determine its future—but we could go from one rink to no rink.
LACK OF SPACE:
Programs are at full capacity. Figure skating participation has grown 10x since 2021. Youth and adult hockey teams are out of ice time. Public skating sessions are constantly packed.
LIMITED ACCESS:
With only 72 parking spots, the congestion during peak times is overwhelming and incredibly dangerous.
INADEQUATE FACILITIES:
No girls’ locker rooms, no showers, and a non-regulation-size rink make Chapman outdated and impractical for future growth.
Chapman Hill Ice Rink
(Current Facility)
current facility use and future needs
growth and use has currently surpassed our facility capacity
Adult Recreation Leagues
over 500 adult players
Durango Area Youth Hockey Association
over 200 participants
DURANGO AREA YOUTH HOCKEY
- Hosted Try Hockey for Free: Girls Only event—25 young girls (ages 3-16) attended.
- State Champion and League Champion hockey teams are already coming out of Durango.
ADULT TOURNAMENTS
- Two tournaments per year, bringing in players from Denver to Albuquerque.
- 200+ participants per tournament, boosting local tourism—hotels, restaurants, and businesses benefit.
PUBLIC SKATING
- One of Chapman’s biggest money-makers, but there’s not enough ice time.
- Example: A single Friday Night Public Skate brings in $1,200—demand is high!
FINANCIAL BENEFIT TO THE CITY
- Chapman Hill is one of the only City of Durango facilities that makes money.
- A new sports complex with two ice sheets—one year-round and one multi-purpose—would expand revenue potential
community benefits of a new facility
Proposed New Facility
(We’re in the early stages!)
A new sports complex is not just for hockey — it’s an investment in our city’s future.
ECONOMIC GROWTH:
More tournaments = more visitors spending money at local businesses.
TOURISM & EVENTS:
Disney on Ice, concerts, film festivals, and even NHL team training camps could come to Durango.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS & ADULTS:
Indoor soccer, pickleball, lacrosse, roller sports, and more!
YEAR-ROUD IMPACT:
A full-size, year-round rink would open the door for youth and adult hockey camps, figure skating competitions, and high-altitude training.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
A multi-sport complex attracts support from soccer, lacrosse, and pickleball enthusiasts, ensuring widespread public backing.
