A parent-led organization with a mission to bring a facility to Yakima, WA to sustain and grow hockey and on ice sports and activities in the valley.
We believe that community connection and love of sport can be forever life changing and will be a benefit to the entire valley.
Vision
The Rink Foundation’s vision is to create an IcePlex that serves as a vibrant community center, uniting the diverse populations of Central Washington through a shared love for ice sports.
We aspire to provide an inclusive and safe environment where individuals of all ages can engage in activities like hockey, figure skating, and recreational ice skating.
Through our facility, we aim to foster healthy lifestyles, strengthen community bonds, and ignite a passion for ice sports that will positively impact the Valley for generations to come.
Mission
The Rink Foundation’s mission is to build community values through ice sports by establishing a sustainable, inclusive IcePlex in Central Washington.
Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space for residents of all backgrounds to experience the joy of ice-based activities, develop their skills, and build meaningful connections.
We are committed to promoting health, wellness, and teamwork while inspiring the next generation of athletes, families, and community leaders in the Yakima Valley.
Strategic Goals
The Rink Foundation is dedicated to turning the dream of an IcePlex in Central Washington into a reality. To achieve this, we have outlined clear, actionable goals:
1. Secure Funding for Development
We will obtain the necessary funding through grants, sponsorships, and donations to procure land and build the IcePlex. Our fundraising efforts will support both the land acquisition and the full construction of the facility, ensuring that the IcePlex is financially viable for the long term.
2. Community Engagement and Support
We will continue to grow relationships with local communities, schools, and businesses to ensure that the IcePlex becomes a hub for positive activity, education, and family fun. By offering programs that cater to all skill levels, we aim to create a space where everyone feels welcome to engage with ice sports.
3. Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
We will work closely with local organizations, including the Yakima Youth Hockey Association (YAHA), to ensure that both community needs and programmatic goals are met. Our partnerships will help grow youth programs, create equitable access to sports, and foster collaboration in the development of the IcePlex.
4. Phased Development and Expansion
Through a carefully structured plan, we will begin with a single NHL-sized ice rink and progressively build out the facility to meet future demands. In the long term, we envision a multi-sheet arena that hosts a variety of sports and activities. Our goal is to support both local athletes and visitors through a world-class facility.
5. Sustainable Operations
Once the IcePlex is built, our focus will shift to ensuring its sustainability through strong operational practices. This includes securing resources for staffing, equipment, marketing, and daily operations. Our financial and operational strategies will be designed to ensure the IcePlex remains a vibrant, thriving center for the community for years to come.
6. Long-Term Growth and Impact
As we establish the IcePlex as a community cornerstone, we will continue to grow its reach, services, and offerings. Our goal is to expand our facility and programming, including the addition of more ice sheets and sports, to further serve the Valley and surrounding areas. Ultimately, the Rink Foundation seeks to provide a lasting legacy of community connection, healthy living, and love for ice sports.
Values
The Rink Foundation operates with a core set of values that guide our work:
Diversity: We embrace the richness of different backgrounds, perspectives, and talents within our community.
Respect: We foster an environment of mutual respect, where every individual feels valued and heard.
Perseverance: We remain steadfast in overcoming challenges and are dedicated to the long-term success of our mission.
Vision: We are forward-thinking and focused on creating a lasting impact for future generations.
Teamwork: We believe in the power of collaboration, both within our organization and with the greater community, to achieve our shared goals.
The Rink Foundation Game Plan
Phase 1: The Land
We are dedicated to securing land and initiating the permitting process in a location that is centrally accessible to all skaters in the Yakima Valley.
FUNDING GOAL: $5 MILLION
Phase 2: Build 1st Rink
Our goal is to construct a sustainable, single-sheet ice rink, with provisions to add a second sheet as the interest and programming for skaters expand.
FUNDING GOAL: $5 MILLION
Phase 3: 2nd Ice Rink
Join us at center ice on opening day to celebrate a new chapter for diverse, fun and safe ice sports programming to the Yakima Valley.
FUNDING GOAL: $5 MILLION
