Plans for Topeka downtown ice rink take shape

TOPEKA (KSNT) - City leaders vote get on a clear plan to move along with creating a permanent ice skating rink in Downtown Topeka using tax dollars.

At Tuesday's meeting, Topeka City Council voted to approve a contract between the city and Downtown Topeka Foundation to specify the "rights and responsibilities" regarding the ice skating rink downtown near Evergy Plaza. Tuesday's approval gives the Downtown Topeka Foundation more time to raise money to help fund the permanent ice rink.

"Basically, it comes down to, their sponsors don't have their ducks in a row," District 9 Councilwoman Michelle Hoferer said during Tuesday's meeting. "They still are planning to do this, they just need more time to get everything ready."

"With everything going according to plan," District 5 Councilman Brett Kell said, "with even some hiccups along the way, the plan is to have it open within the next 13 months."

Hoferer said work on the permanent base will likely take place early next year once funding is acquired. The project is expected to be completed by Jan. 1, 2026.

In July, city leaders approved reallocating the Transient Guest Tax from the Evel Knievel Museum to fund the permanent ice rink. The Downtown Topeka Foundation is working to receive additional funding for the project.

Below are renderings of the ice skating rink presented at a Topeka City Council meeting earlier this year.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.