Indiana Ice Center

Feasibility Study
A Supplement to the IUP Study

White Township
Indiana County
Pennsylvania

January 2006

Executive Summary
In 2005 the White Township Supervisors began to consider the possibility of acquiring
the Indiana Ice Center to operate as a community recreation facility. The Supervisors
contracted with a group of students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania under the
direction of the IUPs Management Services Group to determine the feasibility of such a
venture. While the IUP Study provided an excellent overview and analysis of many of
the issues concerning the feasibility of the Ice Center, DCNR felt that there was some
additional analysis and supplemental information needed to satisfy their standards. In
September 2005 the Township entered into a contract with Pashek Associates Ltd. to
provide the additional analysis.
It was decided that the additional analysis would be completed in the form of a
supplement to the original Study. This report is that supplement.

Market and Demand Analysis

The market and demand analysis identified the potential market area as a fifteen-mile
radius surrounding the Ice Center, which includes most of Indiana County. The County
population is 89,605. There were no other ice skating facilities located in the service
area. The Indiana County YMCA was the only major community recreation center
found.
The total population of the area is used to help determine if there are sufficient persons to
support a facility. Persons age 5-34 are the primary users of community recreation
centers and ice rinks. Income and poverty levels provide an indicator concerning the
residents ability to pay for the use of facilities. All of these indicators are compared to
the figures for the entire state, which provides a benchmark for comparison.
This analysis shows that the median household income in White Township is about 85%
of that of the Commonwealth, Indiana Borough and Indiana County fall at 53% and 75%
respectively, and that White Townships per capita income exceeds that of the
Commonwealth. The percent of the population (by age) that typically uses these types of
recreational facilities is significantly higher in Indiana Borough than in the
Commonwealth. This is due to the number of University students that live in the
Borough.
It is helpful to understand how other ice rinks in western Pennsylvania compare to the
Indiana Ice Center. Fifteen ice facilities were identified in the rural counties surrounding
the Indiana Ice Center. Eight of the ice rinks are owned and operated by
municipalities or municipal authorities, while seven are privately owned.
Finally, in looking at trends in the ice skating industry, the report finds that according to a
2004 survey conducted by the National Sporting Goods Association, participation in ice
hockey increased by 28.9% from 1999 to 2004; participation by youth ages 7-17
increased by 26.6% between 1999 and 2004. Participation increased by 33% of those
Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 1 of 29

ages 12-17 but decreased by 24.7% for those ages 7-11. It also shows that between 1994
and 2000 ice/figure skating participation declined from 7.8 million to 6.7 million.
Figures were not available through 2004.

Public Participation
Most of the public input for the Feasibility Study was conducted as part of the original
IUP Study. However, one significant form of public input was conducted during this
Study. Community leaders who are actively involved in various segments of the Indiana
area were brought together to think broadly about the Center and to identify potential
recreational activities, programs, and major events that might take place in the Center to
assure financial viability. This group identified over seventy potential programs and
activities that could not only serve the communitys recreational needs but also produce
additional revenue for the Center.

Recreation Programming
One of the major changes to be made at the Center will be to convert one of the ice rinks
into a community recreation center. It will be vital to the overall success of the facility
that the recreation center produces some revenue to offset building expenses. It is
recommended that the recreation center be developed to allow as much flexibility in use
as possible. A field house type facility will allow for a continual change of venue from
one sport court to another. The greater the potential for adaptability, the greater the
likelihood of meeting the recreational needs of the community and producing the revenue
needed to operate the facility.
Two potential programming options should be considered. One would be to operate the
recreation program primarily through facility rentals. The second would be to operate as
a true community recreation facility by offering a well balanced recreation program
supplemented by facility rentals. It seems that the second option would be better
received by the community and would provide a significant likelihood of producing the
greatest amount of additional revenue. However, under either option, it is not likely that
sufficient revenues will be produced to cover the entire cost of operating the recreation
center. Instead, it can be predicted that additional revenues will be provided to help
offset the overall costs.
Three possible staffing structures were identified to manage the recreation programming.
Use of existing or supplemental staff from the ice rink to manage rental of the
recreation center.
Hire supplemental staff to manage recreation center rentals and provide recreation
programming.
Contract with the Indiana Area Recreation Commission to manage recreation
center rentals and a full community recreation program.

Financial Analysis
It will be absolutely essential to operate the entire facility under sound business
principles. A business approach to management needs to encompass all aspects of
operations including admission fees, operational expenses, staffing, programming,
Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 2 of 29

marketing, and much more. Close attention should be paid to the Pro-shop and food
concessions to assure that they operate with revenues exceeding expenses.
A slightly revised projection of income and expenses is provided in the charts at the end
of this report.

Conclusion
There are no strong indicators pushing conclusions of this venture toward either success
or failure. Rather there are many factors that are very much down the middle. While the
population of the County is smaller than might normally be expected for success of this
type of operation, the extremely large population under age 35 suggests a much greater
likelihood of success. The less than successful operation of this facility in the private
sector in recent years might lead to the conclusion that the facility cannot be successful.
But the strong commitment by the Township and the support of area residents suggests
that the demand may be high enough for success. The comparison to similar facilities in
rural western Pennsylvania counties shows that about half have been successful in
operating in the private sector. Those that are operated by municipalities are financially
successful in some years and not in others.
Based on this analysis, the conclusion that can be drawn is that in some years the
revenues produced at the Indiana Ice and Recreation Center will exceed expenses, and in
other years expenses will exceed revenue. It is certainly feasible for White Township to
own and operate the Indiana Ice and Recreation Center under these circumstances.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 3 of 29

Introduction
In early 2005 three students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) conducted a
Feasibility Study of the Indiana Ice Center for White Township. The students worked
under the direction of IUPs Management Services Group Co-Director Dr. Tom Falcone.
The purpose of the Study was to assess the feasibility of White Township acquiring the
Ice Center and operating it as a municipal facility.
To accomplish their purpose the students:
Extensively reviewed and discussed historical documents containing important
information on the facilitys cost structure, operations, personnel, and financial
statements.
Toured and visited the facility on several occasions to gather information and
examine specific aspects of the operations and infrastructure.
Conducted qualitative interviews with staff, officials, users, non-users, local
business owners, and athletic management.
Visited comparable facilities, interviewed their management, and evaluated their
operations.
Reviewed and analyzed a current operating model for ice rinks including staff,
utilization, programming, physical building layout, and marketing efforts.
Reviewed, analyzed, and made projections from past historical financial
documents.
Developed multiple scenarios for operating the facility.
Exhaustively brainstormed diverse aspects of operations, partnerships, market
opportunities and other business concerns that would bear on operating the
facility at break even or at a profit.1
The final report provides an excellent overview and analysis of many of the issues
concerning the feasibility of the Ice Center. White Township used the Feasibility Study
as supporting documentation to submit with a grant application in which they requested
grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) for acquisition of the Center and the 6.5 acres on which it sets.
DCNR felt that there was some additional analysis and supplemental information needed
to satisfy their standards for a Feasibility Study. DCNR agreed to fund a grant to White
Township to hire a qualified recreation business consultant to review the IUP Study and
provide the additional analysis and data they required. Pashek Associates Ltd. was hired
to conduct this work for White Township.
Pashek Associates work would include:
Utilizing the strongest components of the IUP Study.
Conducting a market and demand analysis.
1

IUP: Feasibility Study for White Township Purchasing and Operating the Indiana Ice Center. May 24,
2005

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 4 of 29

Adding data and analysis to strengthen the Community Center portion of the
Feasibility Study.
Strengthening the building and facility analysis of the IUP report, particularly as it
relates to the Community Center.
Analyzing potential partnerships in acquisition, management, operations and
maintenance of the facility.
Strengthening the financial and program data and analysis of the IUP Report.
Adding necessary detail to the IUP Report.

It was agreed upon by DCNR, White Township and Pashek Associates, that Pashek
Associates would not develop a completely new Feasibility Study, but would provide a
report that would supplement the IUP Study.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 5 of 29

Market and Demand Analysis

In considering an endeavor such as this it is important to understand the demographic
make-up of the area, the interests people may have in such facilities, and what other
similar facilities may be in the area. The market and demand analysis considers factors in
the local area and in the region, which may affect the use of the Indiana Ice Center. It
considers that although the Center has been primarily used as an ice rink in the past, it is
expected to also serve as a community recreation center. Therefore, the analysis takes
into account factors that may affect either the ice rink or the community center.

Service Area
Although the primary service area for
this facility will be the immediate
community, a facility of this type is
expected to draw participation from
within a ten to fifteen-mile radius. A
ten-mile radius covers the greater
White Township and Indiana Borough
area. The fifteen-mile radius extends
throughout all of Indiana County
except a few municipalities in the
northern part of the County. It also
reaches into parts of eastern Armstrong
County.

Other Comparable Facilities

Within the service area there are no
other ice skating rinks. Of the indoor
recreational facilities in the area, only
the Indiana County YMCA provides
recreation center type facilities, but its
use is limited to YMCA members. While anyone can join the YMCA, its facilities are
generally not available to the public. IUP provides a number of similar types of facilities,
but their use is generally limited to IUP students.
There are also community centers in several smaller municipalities including Blairsville,
Cherryhill Township, Montgomery Township, and Marion Center. These Centers
provide a variety of community spaces, including limited recreational space, for their
residents.

Demographics of the Service Area

The following chart shows a variety of demographic information pertinent to analysis of
the area for these types of recreation facilities. The total population of the area is used to
help determine if there are sufficient persons to support a facility. Persons age 5-34 are

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 6 of 29

the primary users of community recreation centers and ice rinks. The percentages in the
chart indicate how much of the population falls into this age category. Income and
poverty levels provide an indicator concerning the residents ability to pay for the use of
facilities. All of these indicators are compared to the figures for the entire state, which
provides a benchmark for comparison.

White Township
Indiana
Borough
Indiana County
Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania

Population

Median
Household
Income

Per Capita
Income

% of
population
ages 5-34

$21,432
$12,317

Percent of
Residents
below
Poverty Level
8.1%
11.2%

14,034
14,895

$34,469
$21,279

89,605
12,281,054

$30,233
$40,106

$15,312
$20,880

9.8%
7.8%

43.6%
39.4%

35%
73%

From this data we make the following observations and conclusions.

The median household income in White Township is about 85% of that of the
Commonwealth. Indiana Borough and Indiana County fall at 53% and 75%
respectively.
White Township per capita income exceeds that of the Commonwealth.
There are a larger percentage of residents in poverty in the County, Borough, and
Township than in the Commonwealth.
The percent of the population (by age) that typically uses these types of
recreational facilities is significantly higher in Indiana Borough than in the
Commonwealth. This is due to the number of University students that live in the
Borough.

The General Success of Ice Rinks in Western Pennsylvania

Many times the question comes up, How many people are needed to support an ice
rink? There is no easy answer to that. In some areas of the country such as Michigan,
Minnesota, and the New England States, ice rinks are supported in communities of less
than 50,000 people. In the arid southwest it may take 200,000 people to support a rink.
In western Pennsylvania the number is not based on a standard figure but on a
combination of many factors. This report along with the original IUP Feasibility Study
tries to evaluate these factors and estimate whether or not an ice rink is feasible in White
Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
It is helpful to understand how other ice rinks in western Pennsylvania compare to the
Indiana Ice Center. For the purposes of this Study, western PA is identified as the 26
countys bounded on the east by McKean, Cameron, Clearfield, Blair and Bedford
Counties and on the west by the Pennsylvania/Ohio border. Allegheny and Erie Counties

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 7 of 29

were not considered as part of the evaluation due to their more urban setting than any of
the other 25 counties.
In addition to the Indiana Ice Center, the Consultant identified fifteen ice facilities in the
study area. Eight of the ice rinks are owned and operated by municipalities or municipal
authorities. Seven are privately owned. The Indiana Ice Center is currently privately
owned and being considered for municipal ownership. The following chart identifies
each ice facility by County and type of ownership. The accompanying map shows the
location of each.
Municipal Ice Rinks
Meadville Area Recreation Complex,
Crawford County
Hess Ice Arena, Lawrence County
Bradys Run, Beaver County
Belmont Complex, Armstrong County
North Central Cambria Recreation Center,
Cambria County
Johnstown War Memorial, Cambria
County
Nevin Ice Arena, Westmoreland County
Washington Park Ice Rink, Washington
County

Private Ice Rinks

Cranberry Blade Runners, Butler County
Valley Sports Complex, Westmoreland
County
Center Ice, Westmoreland County
Southpointe Iceoplex, Washington County
Divito Park, Fayette County
Planet Ice, Cambria County
Galactic Ice, Blair County

Of the eight municipal ice rinks, all indicated that they were subsidized by local tax
dollars to one degree or another. Although none of the private rinks were willing to share
any financial information, it is a reasonable assumption that they are operating as
profitable entities or they would not be able to stay in business.
The Consultant visited and/or interviewed managers of five of the rinks most similar to
the Indiana Ice Center. The results of these interviews help in understanding the
operations of municipal rinks.

Meadville Area Recreation Complex

This complex is located just outside the City of Meadville and includes an indoor, single
sheet ice complex, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, and a large municipal park. It is
operated by the Meadville Area Recreation Authority, which is comprised of the City of
Meadville, and West Mead and Vernon Townships. The Meadville Area School District
is also involved. The Authority receives about $200,000 annually from the municipalities
to subsidize their operations. A portion of that contribution is used toward the ice rink.
The ice rink includes locker rooms and a snack bar that is shared with the swimming
pool. All programs, hockey, figure skating, learn to skate, hockey instruction, camps, and
others, held at the ice rink, are operated by outside organizations that rent the facility. Ice
time rents for an average of $155 per hour.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 8 of 29

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 9 of 29

Belmont Complex
The Belmont Complex is owned and operated by Armstrong County. It includes the
indoor, single sheet ice rink, a small banquet room, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Exact figures were not available concerning revenues and expenses, but the Manager
indicated that rink expenses have continually exceeded revenues in recent years. He was
not able to say if that has always been the case. Ice time rents for $160 to $210 per hour.
Armstrong County has the smallest population (72,392) of any county in western PA that
has an ice rink.

Hess Arena
Hess Arena is located in Neshannock Township, just outside the City of New Castle.
This is a fairly new facility, built in 1991, that houses a single sheet of ice. It is owned
and operated by the Township and located in Neshannock Township Park. It is primarily
a rental facility where the local hockey leagues and figure skating club rent ice time for
their programs. The Township does not typically operate programs at the rink. Ice time
rents for $158 to $195 per hour. The rink is subsidized by the Township most years.

Bradys Run
Bradys Run Ice Rink is part of the Beaver County Park system. It is located at the main
entrance to Bradys Run Park, Beaver Countys largest County owned park. The facility
consists of the ice rink on one side of the building and an indoor tennis center on the
other side. Between the two are observation and meeting rooms overlooking the
facilities. The County Park offices are also located in the center section of the building.
The ice rink has undergone some major rehabilitation in the past few years.
In most of the recent years of operation, the County has subsidized rink operations. In at
least one of the last ten years, revenues exceeded expenses by about 15%. It is expected
that revenues should come close to covering the expenses of operating the facility.
Revenues for the ice rink were $268,000 in 2004.
The rink is primarily a rental facility. The County does not usually offer its own
programs. Ice time is rented at an average rate of $150 per hour.

Nevin Ice Arena

Nevin Ice Arena is owned by the City of Greensburg and operated through its Parks and
Recreation Department. The facility is located at Lynch Field, one of Greensburgs main
parks. The park also includes an outdoor swimming pool and ballfields.
As part of its annual budget, the City estimates both revenue and expenses. During some
years revenues exceed expenses, while in other years expenses exceed revenues. The
City estimated revenues for 2004 at $360,525.
The Parks and Recreation Department rents ice time to local organizations as well as
providing its own programming. Programs include Learn to Skate and Tot Skate. Ice
time is rented at a rate of $165 to $185 per hour.
Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 10 of 29

An additional analysis of the Nevin and Belmont Ice Rinks is provided in the IUP
Feasibility Study. This additional analysis provides greater detail concerning these two
facilities which can be used to compare specific operational aspects of each with the
Indiana Ice Center.
Several of the managers spoke of the cyclical nature of the skating industry. Usage and
revenues will be up for a couple of years and then begin to decline for a couple of years.
This trend tends to correspond with the winter Olympics, showing greater usage in the
Olympic year. There is also a tendency toward greater usage when the Pittsburgh
Penguins NHL team is doing well.
It is evident that municipal rinks have good years and bad years. In good years the rinks
may break even or at least come pretty close. In poorer years the rinks tend to loose
money.
Just as we looked at the demographics of the White Township/Indiana County region, it
is important to understand many of the same factors in municipalities where ice rinks
currently exist in western PA.
The following chart depicts a variety of demographic information that allows for some
comparison of the areas in which each of the twenty five ice rinks are located.

Community Demographics - Western Pennsylvania Ice Rinks

County

Local area

Pennsylvania

Indiana

Indiana
Borough

County

Local

Population

Median
Household
Income

Per
Capita
Income

% of
Population
age 5-34

Population

Median
Household
Income

Per
Capita
Income

12,281,054

$40,106

$20,880

39.4%

12,281,054

$40,106

$20,880

89,605

$30,233

$15,312

43.6%

14,895

$21,279

$12,317

14,034

$34,469

$21,432

34.9%
Second
Rink

15,889

$30,324

$18,312

2,497

$39,700

$20,090

Third Rink

14,701

$30,505

$16,152

White Twp.

Westmoreland

Greensburg

369,993

$37,106

$19,674

Delmont
New
Kensington

Armstrong

Kittanning

72,392

$31,557

$15,709

36.4%

4,787

$20,921

$13,787

Crawford

Meadville

90,366

$33,560

$16,870

39.9%

13,685

$25,407

$17,290

Cambria

Ebensburg

152,598

$30,179

$16,058

36.3%

3,091

$32,628

$19,634

Beaver

Beaver

181,412

$36,995

$18,402

35.8%

4,775

$42,113

$24,003

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 11 of 29

Blair

Altoona

129,144

$32,851

$16,743

38.0%

49,523

$28,248

$15,213

Butler

Cranberry

174,083

$42,308

$20,798

39.5%

23,625

$66,588

$27,349

Erie

Erie (3 Rinks)

280,843

$36,627

$17,932

42.1%

103,717

$28,387

$13,972

Lawrence

New Castle
Neshannock
Twp.

94,643

$33,152

$16,835

36.8%

26,309

$25,598

$13,730

9,216

$40,988

$25,312

Washington

202,897

35.8%
Second
Rink

15,268

$25,674

$14,818

8,607

$31,184

$17,469

36.9%

9,146

$21,070

$14,165

Washington

$37,607

$19,935

Canonsburg

Fayette

Connellsville

148,644

$27,451

$15,274

Population of Counties without Ice Rinks

Clarion

41,765

Warren

48,863

Somerset

80,023

Greene

40,672

Forest

4,946

McKean

45,936

Mercer

120,293

Jefferson

45,932

Cameron

5,974

Venango

57,565

Clearfield

83,382

Elk

35,112

The following observations are made from this chart:

White Township ranks fifth in terms of median household income of the
communities with ice rinks, and third in per capita income.
Indiana County ranks tenth, out of twelve counties, for both median household
income and per capita income.
Indiana County has the largest percentage of population age 5-34 of all the
Counties considered. The County outpaces the State in this category by 4.2%.

Ice Skating Trends

Finally, we looked at nationwide trends in the ice skating business. All statistics cited are
taken from the National Sporting Goods Association Participation Survey2. The Survey
shows the following:

Participation in ice hockey increased by 28.9% from 1999 to 2004.

Participation by youth ages 7-17 increased by 26.6% between 1999 and 2004.
Participation increased by 33% of those ages 12-17 but decreased by 24.7% for
those ages 7-11.

www.nsga.org

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 12 of 29

Between 1994 and 2000 Ice/Figure Skating participation declined from 7.8
million to 6.7 million. Figures were not available through 2004.
The median age of a male ice hockey player increased from 25.5 in 2001 to 27.1
in 2004. For women it increased from 28.3 to 33.5.

These trends tend to indicate that there is a significant increase in participation in ice
hockey, but that there is also a slight shift upward in the age group that is participating.

Public Participation
The IUP Feasibility Study did a very good job of collecting public input. Twenty-nine
personal interviews were conducted with public officials, users and potential users of the
Ice Center, local business owners, current staff of the Center, and athletic directors and
facility managers from around the area. The IUP Study provides an in-depth description
of each of the series of interviews, which includes specifics of the interviews as well as a
general synopsis of each.
A public meeting was held to hear comments concerning the potential acquisition of the
facility by the Township. Approximately sixty people attended and offered numerous
comments and suggestions.
Two Letters to the Editor were published in the Indiana Gazette sharing concerns about
the Township acquiring the Center. Copies of these letters are included in the IUP
Report.
Overall comments from the public were supportive of the project. Many interviewees
offered good suggestions on ways to make the Center successful. Most thought that it
would be very detrimental to the County to lose the Ice Center as one of the areas key
recreation facilities. There seemed to be three major concerns that were vocalized.
1. White Township residents do not want their taxes to increase to support the Ice
Center.
2. Some business owners are concerned about an unfair advantage the facility may
have in competing with local businesses.
3. Acquisition of a private facility will remove that property from the local tax rolls
resulting in a loss of tax revenue to the Township, School District, and County.
The Consultant and the Township determined that it was not necessary to duplicate the
efforts already undertaken in the original study to gather additional public input.
However, two supplemental forms of considering public opinion were used.
The Township worked with a host of interested local residents to hold a brainstorming
session on ways to assure the financial success of the Ice Rink under Township
ownership.
Community leaders who are actively involved in various segments of the Indiana area
were brought together on November 10, 2005 to think broadly about the Center and to

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 13 of 29

identify potential recreational activities, programs, and major events that might take place
in the Center to assure financial viability.
Following introductions, members participated in a brainstorming session. The resulting
ideas were then sorted into three categories:
1. Immediate, with a major focus on generating revenue (December 2005-May
2006)
2. Intermediate (June 2006-May 2007)
3. Other
Several important points were identified during the discussion. The following is a
summary of that discussion. Note: All ideas are listed at random within the appropriate
category.
Immediate, with a major focus on generating revenue (December 2005-May 2006)

Oldies Dances (November to March). Explore renting the facility to St. Bernards.
Harley B16 Metal Show
Cheerleading Competition - Winter activity. Charge entry fee. Pat Snyder could
find a contact.
Youth detention center use during the day
Offer a Family Skate price during Open Skate
Sell a Season Skate Pass for kids. Print the dates & times of Open Skate on the
pass.
Concerts probably youth oriented. Eliminates travel and the negative
opportunities therein.
Band Concerts for youths
Battle of the Bands
Band Night featuring Garage Bands
Football Recruiting Night Coaches could come in and look at kids from Indiana
County
Auctions Note: Mike Charnego & Pete Stewart do not have their own facility
Craft Shows
Dances Line, Square, Ballroom, Teenage Like Bubbas in Latrobe and After
Burner in Hollidaysburg
Dances for older adults
Indoor Skate Park
Teen Night Open Skate
Dodge Ball Tournaments
Health Programs
Bingo - Not on Monday nights.
Remote Control Things Cars, etc.
Frisbee Tournaments
Trivia Night Good fundraiser. Local organizations/companies enter teams
@$25/person. A $500 prize goes to the winners choice of charity.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 14 of 29

Ice Hockey instructional camps

Preschool exercise program. Ducky Club for stay-at-home parents.
Weekend Soccer Tournaments Charge $125/team
Sports Clinics
Ethnic Festivals
Roller Hockey League
Meeting Rooms for local clubs and organizations - Provide a locked storage
cabinet for each group. $50/room and $7/week for storage. Ask the Tourist
Bureau to help market the opportunity. Internet access?
Specialty Flea Market
After School Prom Night
Intermediate (June 2006-May 2007)

RV Show
Trade/Travel Shows specific to a profession or industry. Example: oil and gas,
college nights, automobile
Car Show Roadster Factory, contact Runyan
Deck Hockey (In-line)
Big Screen Movies
Power Lifting/Weight Lifting
Teen Center
Baseball League Wiffleball/Softball Charge $15/kid. 10 kids/team. Two games
could take place simultaneously. Optimist Club might consider becoming
involved.
Archery competitions? Air Rifle competitions. Maybe involve the PA Game
Office or the Boy Scouts for names.
Collector Expos/Shows coin, stamp, baseball cards, antiques, guns, etc. Note:
area must be locked with security guards inside when the show is not operating.
Contact Indiana Bow & Gun Club
Sport Show ex. hunting and fishing
X-TREME Sports
Horse shows
Concerts Rent the facility. Contract with a Promoter to manage the event.
Bike Show Rent spaces to bike dealers
Indoor winter high school marching band practice site
Power Lifting Competition
Fantasy Hockey
Laser Light Show
Indoor Paintball
Site for P.I.A.A. Official Training and Testing (all sports)
Offer a Hockey 101 class to teach potential spectators about the sport
Family Sports Day
Blue Angel weekend dance night for students

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 15 of 29

Seminars rent the space to a company that needs to hold educational seminars in
a central location
Trade/Travel Shows
Youth exercise/gym complex
Aerobics (indoor walkers)

Other

All Night Prom Big Entertainment. Bring 4+ schools together on the same
night.
Travel Expo Contract with a tourism promoter
Health Expo
College Fair Contract with Indiana County School Guidance Association. The
Centers isolated location helps ensure better student control.
Indoor Sports with multi-purpose floor
Wedding Receptions
Family Reunions
Legion Baseball Banquet in late July

Important Points Generated During the Discussion

It is important that the Center not be seen as unfairly competing with local
businesses; therefore, space rental and programs such as Open Skate should be
priced at "fair market value". In other words, rental and programming that is
equal in cost to private businesses offers the public a choice of venue but does not
unfairly entice customers by charging a lower price.
Contract the space to a promoter or group for a price. Let the promoter be
responsible for the event.
Connect with IUP. The Center would be a good backup for events that the
Regional Development Center is unable to host.
Check with Labor & Industry regarding seating capacity and ability to provide
safe exit to spectators in the event of an emergency.
Electrical capacity may need to be enhanced for major shows/exhibits.
Consider changing the name, Indiana Ice and Expo Center, to more accurately
describe its expanded mission within Indiana County.
A major emphasis needs to be placed on publicizing programs and activities.
Naming rights for the facility and the portions thereof will assure immediate
financial stability.

Additionally, the Consultant reviewed public input received as part of the Indiana County
Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan. Because the Indiana Ice Center
was in full operation during the time of that study, there was nothing to suggest the need
Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 16 of 29

for an ice arena in the County at that time. The Recreation Survey conducted as part of
the Study, however, did show a need for community recreation centers and gyms in the
County. In fact, these types of facilities rank as the ninth most needed facilities in the
County.

Programming, Administrative, and Operational Analysis

The IUP Feasibility Study identifies existing programming in the facility and projects a
variety of potential program offerings. The Report states,
The projections forprograms were developed through extensive interviews with
interested parties, the public, and comparable facilities. We believe that rudimentary
marketing activities such as direct selling, promotional tactics, and good customer
relations can exploit these program possibilities. The fees that are used in this projection
represent utilization of 70% of operating hours, at break even. The study team believes
that the fees are subject to further negotiation in almost all cases.
The research conducted to develop these lists suggests a reasonably good likelihood of
success for the programming.
White Township officials have indicated that it is their intent to maintain the south rink as
an ice rink and convert the north rink into a community recreation center. Costs to
update the mechanical systems related to the ice rink and to convert the north rink to a
recreation center are estimated in the IUP Study at $450,000.
In order to allow for as much flexibility in use as possible, the recreation center should be
maintained as a field house type facility. This will allow for a continual change of venue
from one sport court to another. Basketball may be able to play at one end of the floor
while volleyball is at another. For major events, the floors can be converted to a full
sized court. As the seasons change the area can be realigned to create fields for floor
hockey or soccer. The greater the potential for adaptability, the greater the likelihood of
meeting the recreational needs of the community and producing the revenue needed to
operate the facility.
This type of a system will require additional equipment to make the conversion from one
sport to another. The initial financial figures do not account for a system of divider
netting to allow for multiple gymnasium uses in the recreation center. Nor do they plan
for typical recreation equipment such as netting, goals, and fixtures that will be needed
for individual sports. It is likely that an additional $50,000 to $100,000 will be needed to
acquire and install divider nets and additional such recreation related equipment.
The size of the available space in the north ice arena is adequate to be used for a variety
of recreational purposes. These could include volleyball, basketball, floor hockey,
soccer, and field hockey. It could also be used for indoor practices for football, baseball,
softball, tennis, and other sports. The fact that there are bleachers, lockers, and a lobby
area open up additional opportunities.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 17 of 29

In addition to the recreational opportunities available in the recreation center portion of

the building, the ice rink could be available to provide learn to skate, beginner ice
hockey, figure skate instruction, senior skating, and more. The batting cages offer an
additional opportunity as do the variety of meeting rooms in the facility. Arts classes,
card tournaments, pre-school programs, and education classes for all ages could be
provided.
Possibilities to provide recreational opportunities in the Center are virtually endless.

Programming Options
There are at least two programming options that should be considered. One would be to
operate the recreation program primarily through facility rentals. The second would be to
operate as a true community recreation facility by offering a well balanced recreation
program supplemented by facility rentals.
In the first option, the recreation center would be rented to local and regional recreation
providers as a location for the programs they run through their organizations. This could
mean renting to organizations such as the senior tennis league, IUP intramurals and
intercollegiate sports, youth basketball, soccer associations, volleyball leagues, or the
Indiana Area Recreation Commission. These organizations would pay a rental fee,
provide their own equipment, and operate their own programs.
Under this scenario, the Ice Center incurs very little overhead and requires little staff to
manage the rentals. However, it is not likely that rentals can provide the extended
utilization of the facility that will be needed to pay all the bills for the facility.
Additionally, there may be significant deficiencies in available programming. For
instance, it may be that no one is willing to rent the facility to provide learn to skate
programs that could be vital to the long-term operation of the center, or that no one offers
senior programs that are greatly needed in the community.
Under the second option, the center is really intended to fulfill the communitys full
recreational needs. A balance of programming offered by the Center, combined with
rentals of the facility to recreation providers, provides the best options to the community,
assures greater utilization of the facility, and has the potential to produce greater revenue.
Under either option, it is not likely that sufficient revenues will be produced to cover the
entire cost of operating the recreation center. Instead, it can be predicted that additional
revenues will be provided to help offset the overall costs.
The IUP Study projects a seventy percent utilization rate of the recreational facility.
While it is possible that usage will eventually reach that level, it is most likely that it will
only reach thirty to forty percent utilization. Budget figures proposed in the projected
budget are based on the lower level of utilization.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 18 of 29

Organizational Structure
The following three organizational structures should be considered for operating the
recreation programming of the Center.
Use of existing or supplemental staff from the ice rink to manage rental of the
recreation center.
This would allow a clerical or administrative staff person to manage facility
rentals of the recreation portion of the building. There would be little, if any,
recreation programming provided.
This would provide some additional income. It is not likely that rentals would be
able to utilize the building more that 20% - 30% of the time. Additional staff may
be needed to supervise the recreation building whenever it is being utilized.

Hire supplemental staff to manage recreation center rentals and provide

recreation programming.
A staff person could be hired by the Ice Rink as a recreation director to manage
rental of the recreation portion of the building and provide additional recreation
programming to the community.
This would provide a better utilization of the building. A trained, experienced
recreation director could provide a well rounded recreation program available
throughout much of the day. This could provide a good mix of recreation
programming and facility rentals for recreational use.
This option would compete with the Indiana Area Recreation Commission in the
kinds of programs offered and the groups to whom they are available.

Contract with the Indiana Area Recreation Commission to manage recreation

center rentals and a full community recreation program.
From a programmatic and utilization standpoint this may provide the best option.
The Commission could move its offices to the Ice Rink and begin programming
directly from there, utilizing the facility whenever possible. The two
organizations would need to come to agreement on financial issues including
setting of rental rates, collection of fees, use of the building, etc. There must also
be agreement on the level of quality of programming, facilities, and customer
service. A trained, experienced recreation director will be needed.

Staffing
The IUP Study provides a good organizational chart and structure for staffing the Center
for the Ice Rink. Staffing will need to be added for whichever of the above described
organizational structures is chosen.
The quality of staff in all positions at the facility will be key to its success. The
Township has been wise in its current choices for the facility manager, and maintenance
and clerical staff. As the program is expanded, the Township will need to consider that
the Manager position will probably need to become full-time/year-round. Maintenance
staff should be able to continue to share time in the parks.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 19 of 29

The Recreation Director should be someone with a Bachelors degree in parks and
recreation, recreation management, or a closely related field. He or she should have a
minimum of five years experience and a proven record of success in this type of a setting.

Potential Partnerships
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
The consultant has considered the role that might be played by IUP as a partner in the
acquisition, management, or operation of this facility. White Township held an initial
meeting with University officials in August, 2005 to discuss possible joint efforts. Four
areas for possible cooperation were identified at that time. They include utilization of the
Universitys work study program to assist in staffing the Ice Center; an agreement for
greater use of the facility by IUP intramural programs; provision of discounted electricity
to the facility by the University, and; the University providing funding assistance
regarding its hockey team and coaching. There may be other possible areas of
cooperation as discussions continue.
The Ice Center should continue to seek long-term commitments from the University for
its use of the facility. Current rental of the facility by University programs provides
significant revenue to the Center. Recent discussions between Township staff and
University coaches, intramural staff, and administrative staff have shown that there are
additional opportunities to expand these rentals. Several coaches have indicated an
interest in renting the facility particularly for off-season and pre-season practices for their
players. The University intramural program has shown a similar interest. A commitment
from the University for these types of rentals would be a tremendous financial benefit to
the Ice Center as it would secure a steady income stream at key times throughout the
year.
The consultant understands that IUP is continuing to review this matter and will be
meeting with the Township in the near future.

Indiana Area Recreation Commission

Indiana Area Recreation Commission is a key provider of recreational services in Indiana
Borough and White Township. The organizational structure section of this report
recommends that the Ice Center consider a cooperative arrangement to work with the
Commission to provide recreational programming through the Ice Center.

Indiana County Parks

This type of facility does not fit within the Mission of the Indiana County Parks. There is
therefore no opportunity for partnership with them.

Public Private Partnerships

In some cases it can be feasible to consider partnerships with the private sector to lease
parts of the facility or to provide services through the public facility. In the case of the
Ice Center, if it is acquired with DCNR funding, there is no opportunity to lease the
building or portions of it to private sector businesses. It may, however, be a possibility
Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 20 of 29

to lease time in the facility to private facilities such as a hospital, industry, or business to
hold specific classes or programs in the building.

Financial Analysis
The IUP Feasibility Study conducted an in-depth analysis of the historic financial records
of the Indiana Ice Center. The Study provides an analytical breakdown of each major
income and expense category. Pashek Associates reviewed this analysis and found it to
be an accurate representation of current owners financial history. It is reasonable to
assume that financial projections can be made for the future of the Center based on this
history.
It must be understood that these projections are based on the best information available
and take into account the proposed changes at the facility. However, many factors, both
internal and external, will have a significant impact on the Centers financial future.
Economic conditions, recreational trends, management styles, staff expertise, changes in
elected officials, operating philosophies, and much more will impact the financial future
of the Center. The projections offer a reasonable estimate of what might be expected for
the future of the Ice Center in White Township, assuming a slow but steady increase in
usage of both the ice and recreation sides of the facility.
Based on Pashek Associates analysis of the financial data, the following changes have
been made from the IUP Studys financial projections.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

Changed the year titles from calendar years to numbered years.

Reduced the projected increase in 2006 for all Rink operations from 20% to 10%.
Added a line item for Recreation Revenue of $50,000.
Revised payroll projections to more accurately reflect what is actually expected
and discussed in the IUP Study.
Added a Payroll line item for recreation salaries.
Changed the line item previously titled FICA Taxes to Payroll Taxes and
estimated it at 12% of payroll. Other payroll costs are included in the individual
payroll line items.
Reduced the General Liability Insurance line item to reflect the figure provided to
the Township by its current insurance carrier.
Corrected an error in the formula used to calculate years 2007-2009 of the
Commercial Bank Loan Repayment line item.

The results project a net of expenses over revenue in Year 1 and Year 2 of $28,167 and
$12,703 respectively and revenues over expenses of $342, $16,342, and $35,906 in Years
3, 4, and 5 respectively.
The Township may also want to consider charging both a resident and a non-resident rate
to facility users depending on their location of residence.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 21 of 29

It will be absolutely essential to operate the entire facility under sound business
principles. The business concept is often misunderstood by local governments who tend
to see themselves as providers of services rather than operators of a business. However,
if handled appropriately, the Ice Center can offer a good balance between providing a
community service and operating under sound business practices.
A business approach to management needs to encompass all aspects of operations
including admission fees, operational expenses, staffing, programming, marketing, and
much more.
Close attention should be paid to the Pro Shop and Food Concessions to assure that they
operate with revenues exceeding expenses, including staffing. The Pro-shop and Food
Concession should earn a profit every year. The profit should be at least 10% of
operating expenses with a target profit of 20%. Staffing, product selection, pricing, and
inventory control must be appropriately managed to ensure profitability. Inventory
management and a system of financial controls should be of utmost importance. Typical
business practice should be adopted to assure that all money and inventory are accounted
for on a daily basis
Most products at the concession stand should be high profit items such as premix pop,
popcorn, sno-cones, and Popsicles. This should be supplemented out with mid-profit
items such as candy bars, pizza slices, ice cream bars, and canned drinks. Low profit
items such as hotdogs, nachos, and hot pretzels should be avoided. Sale of penny candy
should be avoided as well due to problems with inventory control and low profitability.
Product pricing should be set to return an adequate profit while not exploiting patrons.
Prices should be competitive with other locations in town. The purpose of the concession
stand should be to earn a profit while providing a service to patrons.
The Food Concession may need to be supplemented with vending machines that
eliminate the need for staffing during slower periods of use.
It may be difficult for the Pro-shop to compete with the wide variety of discount and
internet sporting goods stores available in todays economy. It may be that the only
skating supply items that need to be made available to users of the rink can be sold at the
Food Concession stand, skate sharpening area, or through vending machines.
The following pages detail the projected revenues and disbursements.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 22 of 29

Indiana Ice and Expo Center

Projected Cash Flow Statement
Cash Receipts
Start-Up
CASH FROM SALES
Rink Operations
PR-Adult Hockey
PR-Youth Hockey
PR- Figure Skating
PR-Groups
Roller Hockey
Soccer Income
Recreation Revenue
Skate Rental
Admissions
Other Income
Rink Operations Total

$0.00

Pro Shop
Skate Sharpening
Merch- Clothing
Merch-Equip
Merch- Soccer Equip
Misc.
Pro Shop Total

$0.00

Sales Concession
Sales Concession
Concession Rental
Concession Food
Sales Concessions Total

$0.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Totals

$12,135.00
$199,616.00
$108.00
$3,846.00
$0.00
$9,561.00
$50,000.00
$2,698.00
$11,093.00
$4,381.00

$13,348.50
$219,577.60
$118.80
$4,230.60
$0.00
$10,517.10
$55,000.00
$2,967.80
$12,202.30
$4,819.10

$14,015.93
$230,556.48
$124.74
$4,442.13
$0.00
$11,042.96
$57,750.00
$3,116.19
$12,812.42
$5,060.06

$14,716.72
$242,084.30
$130.98
$4,664.24
$0.00
$11,595.10
$60,637.50
$3,272.00
$13,453.04
$5,313.06

$15,452.56
$254,188.52
$137.53
$4,897.45
$0.00
$12,174.86
$63,669.38
$3,435.60
$14,125.69
$5,578.71

$69,668.70
$1,146,022.90
$620.04
$22,080.41
$0.00
$54,891.02
$287,056.88
$15,489.59
$63,686.44
$25,151.92

$293,438.00

$322,781.80

$338,920.89

$355,866.93

$373,660.28

$1,684,667.91

$1,603.00
$1,768.00
$13,787.00
$51.00
$14.00

$1,923.60
$2,121.60
$16,544.40
$61.20
$16.80

$2,019.78
$2,545.92
$19,853.28
$73.44
$20.16

$2,120.77
$3,055.10
$23,823.94
$88.13
$24.19

$2,226.81
$3,666.12
$28,588.72
$105.75
$29.03

$9,893.96
$13,156.75
$102,597.34
$379.52
$104.18

$17,223.00

$20,667.60

$24,512.58

$29,112.13

$34,616.44

$126,131.75

$48,342.00
$0.00
$0.00

$58,010.40
$0.00
$0.00

$69,612.48
$0.00
$0.00

$83,534.98
$0.00
$0.00

$100,241.97
$0.00
$0.00

$359,741.83
$0.00
$0.00

$48,342.00

$58,010.40

$69,612.48

$83,534.98

$100,241.97

$359,741.83

Page 23 of 29

Advertising Income
Advertising Income
$0.00

Advertising Income Total

Expo Revenue
Expo Rental
Home Show

$0.00

Expo Revenue Total

Additional Revenue Sources
Room Rental
Batting Cage Rev
Locker Room
Commissions-Vendors

$14,108.00

$16,929.60

$17,776.08

$18,664.88

$19,598.13

$87,076.69

$14,108.00

$16,929.60

$17,776.08

$18,664.88

$19,598.13

$87,076.69

$6,113.00
$8,241.00

$7,335.60
$9,889.20

$7,702.38
$10,383.66

$8,087.50
$10,902.84

$8,491.87
$11,447.99

$37,730.35
$50,864.69

$14,354.00

$17,224.80

$18,086.04

$18,990.34

$19,939.86

$88,595.04

$50.00
$3,000.00
$0.00
$4,277.00

$60.00
$3,600.00
$0.00
$5,132.40

$63.00
$3,780.00
$0.00
$5,389.02

$66.15
$3,969.00
$0.00
$5,658.47

$69.46
$4,167.45
$0.00
$5,941.39

$308.61
$18,516.45
$0.00
$26,398.29

Additional Revenue Sources Total

$0.00

$7,327.00

$8,792.40

$9,232.02

$9,693.62

$10,178.30

$45,223.34

TOTAL CASH FROM SALES

$0.00

$394,792.00

$444,406.60

$478,140.09

$515,862.89

$558,234.98

$2,391,436.56

Cash From Financing

Commercial Loan Proceeds

$300,000.00

TOTAL CASH FROM FINANCING

$300,000.00

$150,000.00
$0.00

$150,000.00

$0.00

$0.00

$0.00

$450,000.00

$394,792.00

$594,406.60

$478,140.09

$515,862.89

$558,234.98

$2,841,436.56

Total Cash Receipts

TOTAL CASH RECEIPTS

$300,000.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 24 of 29

Cash Disbursements
Start-Up
Payroll
Rink Supervisors Salaries
Instructors Salaries
Maintenance Salaries
Recreation Salaries
Rink Operations Salaries
Concession Worker Salaries
Administrative Salaries
Rink Operations Salaries-Referees
Housekeeping Salaries
Marketing/Sales Salaries
Consulting Services
Payroll Total

$0.00

Utilities
Electric
Gas
Water / Sewage
Telephone
Internet Fees
Garbage Pickup
Utilities Total

$0.00

Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Unemployment -Federal
Unemployment - State
Workers Compensation
Tax Total

$0.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Totals

$20,000.00
$0.00
$30,000.00
$25,000.00
$14,000.00
$18,000.00
$36,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$7,000.00

$21,000.00
$0.00
$31,500.00
$26,250.00
$14,700.00
$18,900.00
$37,800.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$7,350.00

$22,050.00
$0.00
$33,075.00
$27,562.50
$15,435.00
$19,845.00
$39,690.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$7,717.50

$23,152.50
$0.00
$34,728.75
$28,940.63
$16,206.75
$20,837.25
$41,674.50
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$8,103.38

$24,310.13
$0.00
$36,465.19
$30,387.66
$17,017.09
$21,879.11
$43,758.23
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$8,508.54

$110,512.63
$0.00
$165,768.94
$138,140.78
$77,358.84
$99,461.36
$198,922.73
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$38,679.42

$150,000.00

$157,500.00

$165,375.00

$173,643.75

$182,325.94

$828,844.69

$60,000.00
$35,000.00
$10,000.00
$4,000.00
$1,500.00
$750.00

$63,000.00
$36,750.00
$10,500.00
$4,200.00
$1,575.00
$787.50

$66,150.00
$38,587.50
$11,025.00
$4,410.00
$1,653.75
$826.88

$69,457.50
$40,516.88
$11,576.25
$4,630.50
$1,736.44
$868.22

$72,930.38
$42,542.72
$12,155.06
$4,862.03
$1,823.26
$911.63

$331,537.88
$193,397.09
$55,256.31
$22,102.53
$8,288.45
$4,144.22

$111,250.00

$116,812.50

$122,653.13

$128,785.78

$135,225.07

$614,726.48

$18,000.00

$18,900.00

$19,845.00

$20,837.25

$21,879.11

$99,461.36
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00

$18,000.00

$18,900.00

$19,845.00

$20,837.25

$21,879.11

$99,461.36

Page 25 of 29

Pro Shop Expenses

Costs of Goods Sold-Clothing
Costs of Goods Sold-Equipment
Costs of Goods Sold-Misc.
Cost of Goods Sold-Soccer Equip
Pro Shop Expenses Total

$0.00

Insurance
General Liability Insurance
Insurance Total

$0.00

Maintenance & Repairs

Building Maintenance & Repairs
Maintenance Supplies
Housekeeping Supplies
Equipment Maintenance
Maintenance & Repairs Total

$0.00

Concession Expenses
Costs of Goods Sold-Concession
Concession Expense Total

$0.00

Advertising
General Advertising
Advertising Total

$0.00

Contracted Services
Referee
EMT
Misc.
Contracted Services Total

$0.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

$1,705.00
$6,937.00
$0.00
$2,500.00

$1,790.25
$7,283.85
$0.00
$2,625.00

$1,879.76
$7,648.04
$0.00
$2,756.25

$1,973.75
$8,030.44
$0.00
$2,894.06

$2,072.44
$8,431.97
$0.00
$3,038.77

$9,421.20
$38,331.30
$0.00
$13,814.08

$11,142.00

$11,699.10

$12,284.06

$12,898.26

$13,543.17

$61,566.58

$10,000.00

$10,500.00

$11,025.00

$11,576.25

$12,155.06

$55,256.31

$10,000.00

$10,500.00

$11,025.00

$11,576.25

$12,155.06

$55,256.31

$6,488.00
$2,538.00
$3,614.00
$12,345.00

$6,812.40
$2,664.90
$3,794.70
$12,962.25

$7,153.02
$2,798.15
$3,984.44
$13,610.36

$7,510.67
$2,938.05
$4,183.66
$14,290.88

$7,886.20
$3,084.95
$4,392.84
$15,005.42

$35,850.30
$14,024.05
$19,969.63
$68,213.92

$24,985.00

$26,234.25

$27,545.96

$28,923.26

$30,369.42

$138,057.90

$27,066.00

$28,419.30

$29,840.27

$31,332.28

$32,898.89

$149,556.74

$27,066.00

$28,419.30

$29,840.27

$31,332.28

$32,898.89

$149,556.74

$11,843.76

$12,435.95

$13,057.75

$13,710.63

$14,396.16

$65,444.25

$11,843.76

$12,435.95

$13,057.75

$13,710.63

$14,396.16

$65,444.25

$9,230.00
$1,160.00
$0.00

$9,691.50
$1,218.00
$0.00

$10,176.08
$1,278.90
$0.00

$10,684.88
$1,342.85
$0.00

$11,219.12
$1,409.99
$0.00

$51,001.58
$6,409.73
$0.00

$10,390.00

$10,909.50

$11,454.98

$12,027.72

$12,629.11

$57,411.31

Page 26 of 29

Tournament Expense
Tournament Expense
Tournament Expense Total

$0.00

Rink Expenses
Rink Equipment Expense
Rink Supplies
Equipment Rental-Rink
Rink Expenses Total

$0.00

Office Expenses
Office Equipment Rental
Office Main & Repair
Office Supplies
Postage/Express Mail
Office Expense Total

$0.00

Dues and Subscriptions

Dues and Subscriptions
Professional Dues
Dues and Subscriptions Total

$0.00

Misc.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Other Supplies
Travel Expense
Licensing Fees
Building Security
Misc.

$0.00

OTHER DISBURSEMENTS
Commercial Bank Loan Payment
Concrete Floor Installation

$48,500.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

$11,624.00

$12,205.20

$12,815.46

$13,456.23

$14,129.04

$64,229.94

$11,624.00

$12,205.20

$12,815.46

$13,456.23

$14,129.04

$64,229.94

$2,254.00
$228.00
$0.00

$2,366.70
$239.40
$0.00

$2,485.04
$251.37
$0.00

$2,609.29
$263.94
$0.00

$2,739.75
$277.14
$0.00

$12,454.77
$1,259.84
$0.00

$2,482.00

$2,606.10

$2,736.41

$2,873.23

$3,016.89

$13,714.62

$1,000.00
$0.00
$605.00
$40.00

$1,050.00
$0.00
$635.25
$42.00

$1,102.50
$0.00
$667.01
$44.10

$1,157.63
$0.00
$700.36
$46.31

$1,215.51
$0.00
$735.38
$48.62

$5,525.63
$0.00
$3,343.01
$221.03

$1,645.00

$1,727.25

$1,813.61

$1,904.29

$1,999.51

$9,089.66

$850.00
$450.00

$892.50
$472.50

$937.13
$496.13

$983.98
$520.93

$1,033.18
$546.98

$4,696.79
$2,486.53

$1,300.00

$1,365.00

$1,433.25

$1,504.91

$1,580.16

$7,183.32

$130.00
$641.00
$154.00
$1,251.00
$150.00

$136.50
$673.05
$161.70
$1,313.55
$157.50

$143.33
$706.70
$169.79
$1,379.23
$165.38

$150.49
$742.04
$178.27
$1,448.19
$173.64

$158.02
$779.14
$187.19
$1,520.60
$182.33

$718.33
$3,541.93
$850.95
$6,912.56
$828.84

$2,326.00

$2,442.30

$2,564.42

$2,692.64

$2,827.27

$12,852.62

$28,903.00

$43,354.00

$43,354.00

$43,354.00

$43,354.00

$202,319.00
$48,500.00

Page 27 of 29

Multipurpose Flooring
Cooling Tower
Construction Costs of Storage Area
Basketball Hoops (Portable)
Misc. Maintenance Repairs
Chiller Replacement

$105,000.00
$85,000.00
$41,700.00
$8,000.00
$10,000.00

Total Other Disbursements

$298,200.00

$28,903.00

$193,354.00

$43,354.00

$43,354.00

$43,354.00

$650,519.00

TOTAL CASH DISBURSED

$298,200.00

$422,956.76

$607,110.45

$477,798.27

$499,520.48

$522,328.81

$2,827,914.77

NET CASH FLOW

$1,800.00

($28,164.76)

($12,703.85)

$341.82

$16,342.40

$35,906.17

$13,521.79

Opening Cash Balance

Cash Receipts
Cash Disbursements

$0.00
$300,000.00
($298,200.00)

$1,800.00
$394,792.00
($422,956.76)

($26,364.76)
$594,406.60
($607,110.45)

($39,068.61)
$478,140.09
($477,798.27)

($38,726.79)
$515,862.89
($499,520.48)

($22,384.39)
$558,234.98
($522,328.81)

($124,744.54)
$2,841,436.56
($2,827,914.77)

ENDING CASH BALANCE

$1,800.00

($26,364.76)

($39,068.61)

($38,726.79)

($22,384.39)

$13,521.79

$105,000.00
$85,000.00
$41,700.00
$8,000.00
$10,000.00
$150,000.00

$150,000.00

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 28 of 29

Conclusion
There are no strong indicators pushing conclusions of this venture toward either success
or failure. Rather there are many factors that are very much down the middle. While the
population of the County is smaller than might normally be expected for success of this
type of operation, the extremely large population under age 35 suggests a much greater
likelihood of success. The less than successful operation of this facility in the private
sector in recent years might lead to the conclusion that the facility cannot be successful.
But the strong commitment by the Township and the support of area residents suggests
that the demand may be high enough for success. The comparison to similar facilities in
rural western Pennsylvania counties shows that about half have been successful in
operating in the private sector. Those that are operated by municipalities are financially
successful in some years and not in others.
Based on this analysis, the conclusion that can be drawn is that in some years the
revenues produced at the Indiana Ice and Recreation Center will exceed expenses and in
other years expenses will exceed revenue. It is certainly feasible for White Township to
own and operate the Indiana Ice and Recreation Center under these circumstances.

Indiana Ice and Recreation Center Feasibility Study

Page 29 of 29