Central Wisconsin Ice Launches Exploratory Initiative for New Ice Facility

Central Wisconsin Ice has officially launched an exploratory initiative to assess options for new ice facility that can serve Wausau and the surrounding region.

This is an early stage effort. We are not announcing a final plan or a selected site. Instead, we are doing the work that needs to happen first: gathering partners, listening to the community, and studying what is realistic and sustainable.

What we announced

As part of this exploratory phase, Central Wisconsin Ice has approached the City of Wausau to collaborate on reviewing potential land use options for suitable city owned parcels. This step helps ensure any future facility aligns with community goals, long-term planning, and regional needs.

The exploratory committee will include Central Wisconsin Ice leaders and community stakeholders, with invitations for participation from relevant school districts, Marathon County representatives, and other regional partners.

Why this matters

Hockey and skating continue to grow in Central Wisconsin. Demand for ice time is rising across youth programs, high school teams, adult leagues, and recreational skating. Reliable year round ice access can create more opportunities for families, support youth development, and strengthen Wausau’s role as a regional hub for games, clinics, camps, and tournaments.

What happens next

Over the coming months, this work will focus on:

• Broad community input

• Identifying viable locations

• Exploring partnership models that support long-term sustainability

How you can help

If you care about access to ice, youth sports, community recreation, and a thriving Wausau region, we would love your support. Please reach out if you have any ideas or would like to help.

If you’d like to connect directly, contact Colin Helke at colin.helke@skatecwi.org.