HORACE — The city of Horace and the West Fargo Hockey Association are partnering up to potentially build a new ice arena in Horace.
The Horace City Council approved a memorandum of understanding earlier this month with the West Fargo Hockey Association that clears the way for the West Fargo Hockey Association to proceed with potentially building an ice facility on land the nonprofit would lease from the city.
“It’s very early in that process,” said Jeremy Jorgenson, West Fargo Hockey Association executive director. “There’s potential for sure. The fact that they want to talk to us is exciting.”
The memorandum of understanding lays the groundwork for the Hockey Association to eventually enter into a ground lease with the city, where it can then build and manage a new ice facility. According to the memo, Horace would conduct a “land swap” with a local developer, which would allow the city to offer the hockey association eight acres of land near County Road 17 and south of Luther Avenue.
The land on the south end of Horace is currently undeveloped and planted with soybeans with no direct access roads to it.
“So instead of us going off and buying more land, it would be swapping land that we already have,” said Horace City Administrator Brenton Holper at the July 7 City Council meeting.
The West Fargo Hockey Association would then finance, design, construct, own and operate a multi-use ice arena on the land. The ice facility may have one or two sheets of ice along with locker rooms, concessions, training areas and offices.
“There will be subsequent agreements that need to take place to facilitate it all,” Holper said.
The city of Horace will also pay for a site assessment and environmental study, which is expected to cost less than $3,000.
The West Fargo Hockey Association
The park district had agreed to contribute $5 million for the additional ice if the school district also contributed $5 million.
The school district was willing to do so if voters gave their approval as part of a bond referendum vote in February,
but voters denied the question of contributing funds for additional ice.
The city of Horace is in the West Fargo school district and is home to Horace Elementary School, Horace High School, and Heritage Middle School. Jorgenson said the association also has many young players from Horace. Last year, more than 100 players between the ages of 5 and 7 were from Horace.
“We’re just turning over every rock possible to get ice. Horace is still part of the West Fargo school district, and there’s more space for opportunity right now (in Horace). There won’t be soon,” Jorgenson said.
Jorgenson and city officials emphasized the memorandum of understanding is only a preliminary step, and further discussions and negotiations will be required before any plans are finalized.
“Once we enter into more formal discussions on the ground lease, we still have an opportunity, if we are not able to work out terms that we feel are sufficient to the city, to back out of the deal,” said Councilwoman Stephanie Landstrom.
Jorgenson said additional discussions with Horace officials are expected to take place in the upcoming months.
Wendy Reuer covers all things West Fargo for The Forum.