Louisville council to consider $100,000 deal for downtown ice rink

The Louisville City Council is scheduled to consider a $100,000 agreement Sept. 22 to bring seasonal skating back to Steinbaugh Pavilion, with $90,000 designated for a rink operator and $10,000 for the Main Street Louisville Business Improvement District.

The proposed agreement would cover a season from Nov. 20, 2026, through Jan. 18, 2027, at the pavilion, 824 Front St. The council staff report recommends approval of Resolution No. 86, which would authorize the mayor to sign the agreement if the council approves it.

The agreement identifies the business improvement district as the city’s contracting partner. The district could select one or more people or entities to manage the rink, but the proposed documents do not name the eventual operator. The district would have to execute an operator contract by Oct. 2; otherwise, the parties would be released from their obligations.

Under the proposed agreement, the city would pay the district after it provides proof that an operator contract had been executed. The district would retain revenue from admissions, skate rentals, concessions, private rentals, lessons, competitions, sponsorships, grants and donations.

The city would also provide in-kind support, including use of the pavilion and parking lots, existing city-owned rink equipment, equipment delivery and removal, electrical service and regular trash service.

The proposal would cap public-skate admission at $12 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under. The rink would generally operate seven days a week during the proposed season, except Christmas Day and other dates agreed to by the city and district. Activities could not start before 8 a.m. or continue past 11 p.m.; alcohol and carnival or amusement rides would be prohibited.

The proposed season is about a month shorter than the 2025-26 season, which was scheduled to run from Nov. 21 through Feb. 16. City staff attributed the shorter schedule to weak attendance late in the prior season, support for downtown businesses and the possibility of late-winter construction on the Front and Center project.

The staff report says the city’s 2025-26 costs totaled $81,720.23, excluding in-kind support. That included a $30,000 deposit, $16,720.23 in additional support and a later-approved $35,000 payment for outstanding expenses. Staff said the larger proposed contribution is intended to avoid additional financial support during or after the coming season.

Resolution No. 86 and the agreement remain subject to the council’s consideration and execution.