About I.C.E.

Involved Citizens Enterprises (I.C.E.) is a non-profit organization committed to providing affordable and accessible skating programs to Grand Traverse area residents. I.C.E. was formed in 1982 after the privately owned Glacier Dome closed, and acts as an umbrella organization for area skating groups.

History

• Spring 1982 Glacier Dome Closes
• Summer 1982 I.C.E. forms following meetings of interested citizens committed to keeping youth and adult skating programs in the Traverse City area.
• Fall 1982 I.C.E. borrows $40,000 from Grand Traverse County to build a temporary "Bubble Rink". (The loan was retired in 1987.)
• Spring 1983 Volunteer members pursue options to raise money for a permanent facility.
• 1987 Bubble Rink is destroyed during a major windstorm, and a second Bubble Rink is purchased.
• 1987-1988 $300,000 is raised towards new rink construction. I.C.E. accepts responsibility for 50% of the $1.2 million Howe Arena.
• 1989 Howe Arena opens.
• 1993 Skating groups have their memberships double, which exceeds capacity.
• May 1993 I.C.E. requests Grand Traverse County consider adding a second rink, and offers financial support.
• 1994 M.C. Smith recommends adding a second rink at the Civic Center in a study of area recreational needs through 2010.
• 1995 Grand Traverse County approves master plan, with an additional rink located at the Civic Center.
• September 1995 Request for bond to finance arena construction is defeated in a public referendum, which dictated no further construction at the Civic Center.
• December 1995 I.C.E. receives donation of 13 acres in East Bay Township by local businessmen Marty Lagina and Craig Tester.
• Spring 1996 East Bay Township approves plan for Centre I.C.E. complex.
• August 1996 Ground breaking for Centre I.C.E.
• April 1997 Construction of Centre I.C.E. complex complete.
• 1997 to Present I.C.E. continues to operate Howe Arena and Centre I.C.E. - promoting recreational skating programs in the Grand Traverse area.