The Kemmerer City Council is exploring the idea of transforming the city golf course into a “winter wonderland” destination — a project councilmembers say could bring year-round recreation and revenue to the community.
At the Oct. 13 meeting, council members agreed the endeavor would be a beneficial one for the city. The plan includes turning the golf course pond into an ice rink, creating a winter recreation space that could feature ice skating, hockey, and other seasonal activities at the facility including cross-country skiing and a warming hut.
Council members also discussed ways to improve the golf course clubhouse and make upgrades without relying on taxpayer funds. The vision includes developing a family-friendly winter facility that could potentially include a restaurant.
Adam Calkins presented updates on efforts to restart a city ice hockey program, which he hopes will become part of the community winter sports complex. “It’s a great start,” Calkins said, referring to the $9,000 the city contributed toward hockey equipment. He said the facility could grow to include cross-country skiing, night skating at the pond, and a skate rental facility.
Calkins said he plans to organize a three-on-three hockey league and hold a coaching clinic before the season begins. “We would have people come,” he said. “I already have coaches lined up.” He emphasized the importance of city backing for long-term success.
“That sets us up for success whether we stay a city program or this moves to a club program,” Calkins said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. There are a lot of good things coming and I look forward to this winter sports complex at the golf course with hockey being a part of that.”
Kemmerer City Administrator Brian Muir said he has been working with Calkins to pursue grant funding and noted other cities have created non-profits to support similar programs. “One thing we are up against specifically regarding legislation is the property tax cuts,” Muir said, explaining that the city lost $43,000 in its budget.
While Calkins said parents expect to pay participation fees similar to other recreation programs, Muir noted that those fees alone would not be enough to sustain the hockey program. He also emphasized the need to address liability insurance, medical coverage, and proper training for referees and coaches before launching the program.
Councilmember Brantley Popp expressed support for the concept, saying he loved the idea of turning the golf course into a “winter wonderland.” He said the community would likely embrace it but questioned whether the city could afford to fund a hockey program.
“I’m not in favor of passing the bill of a child’s uniform or knee pads onto a taxpayer,” Popp said, suggesting parents should pay for their children’s equipment.
Mayor Robert Bowen said the city would look at potential partnerships for funding, including contributions from the Town of Diamondville and Lincoln County.
“We can ask for a little bit of funding on their end,” he said, noting that both communities would benefit from a shared program.
It was determined that discussion about funding and logistics for the hockey program would continue at future meetings. Councilmember Bill Price said he hopes the council will follow through on the topics discussed.
In other business, the city reported the acquisition of a new police vehicle purchased with impact funding rather than taxpayer dollars. The police department is also transitioning from paper to electronic ticketing.
Also at the meeting, Bob King, Lincoln County Economic Development Director for Wyoming Semi-Quincentennial Celebration, gave a presentation on the upcoming 250th anniversary of America’s founding — and encouraged the city to apply for grant funding to participate.
Following the meeting, in a video recap, Councilmember Popp announced that the city has officially funded a restricted reserve account dedicated to street repairs — an initiative he has supported since before the budget session.
“It was something I proposed before budget session,” Popp said. The first deposit of $63,614 has been made into the account, which is designed to hold surplus road repair funds in a dedicated savings rather than transferring them to the general fund.
“If we are going to have a chance to redo the roads properly, that money needs to be saved,” he said. Popp called the account a “nest egg” that will help the city handle major roadwork projects in the future. “I’m not talking about patchwork here and there. I’m talking about enough money to tear the road up and rebuild it from the ground up,” he said. “That is what this fund is for.”
Popp said the goal is to ensure that the fund “stays secure, stays safe, and the funds go to the right place where it is needed.”
