01/10/2024
For those who have had questions or wondered about the ice rink…
An individual recently raised concerns on social media about the synthetic ice rink in North Bend, questioning its financial viability and suggesting that the Mayor inappropriately allocated funds for its construction. It's important to address these inaccuracies.
Firstly, the decision to build the rink was a collective one, approved by the City Council, not unilaterally decided by the Mayor. The rink has proven to be a financial success, yielding a 25% return on investment in its first 10 weeks in the 2022-2023 season. This year, visitor numbers have consistently ranged between 220 to 360 per week. When not functioning as an ice skating rink, the tent is converted to event space for hosting concerts and other public events at no cost to our residents.
Furthermore, it's crucial to correct the misconception about funding. No property tax dollars were used for this project. Instead, the rink was financed through multiple grants and transient lodging taxes, which are funds specifically earmarked for tourism and community development activities as per Oregon Law. These taxes are collected from tourists staying in local accommodations and are legally restricted to be used in ways that foster tourism and community growth. This means they cannot be diverted to other city expenses like road repairs or police equipment.
The rink's operational costs are fully covered by sponsorships and user fees, ensuring no burden on North Bend taxpayers. The use of transient lodging taxes for the rink falls within the legal framework, promoting tourism and contributing positively to our community's development.
In 2022, Coos County experienced a remarkable surge in tourism revenue, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. This information comes from an analysis conducted by Dean Runyan & Associates, a research firm engaged by Travel Oregon.
The study revealed that throughout 2022, the influx of tourists into Coos County significantly boosted the local economy. Travel-related expenditures in the county reached $295.9 million, a notable achievement for the region's travel sector. This robust spending contributed substantially to tax revenues, with local and state coffers benefiting by $2.1 million and $10.4 million, respectively. These figures were confirmed by local tourism representatives.
In summary, the synthetic ice rink is a well-considered investment, beneficially funded, and has been a success both financially and as a tourist attraction in North Bend. For more information on the economic impact of tourism in North Bend, Coos Bay, and Charleston, please visit https://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/faq/
North Bend Ice Skating Rink: https://www.northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink
Got Questions? We've Got Answers! Contact us at https://www.northbendoregon.us/forms.aspx?fid=573