Today, we’re announcing plans for The Forge Community Iceplex, Central Oregon’s first dedicated year-round ice rink: a 70,000-square-foot, two-sheet complex designed to serve hockey players, figure skaters, and community members of all ages and skill levels. The Forge is a debt-free 501(c)(3) nonprofit, funded entirely by this community. That means two NHL-regulation sheets, open 365 days a year, on a seven-acre campus in Northeast Bend.

No bank to answer to. No risk of closure when costs spike. Just consistent ice for everyone who wants it. Here’s the vision behind The Forge Community Iceplex, and why you can feel confident in it from day one.

What Is The Forge Community Iceplex?

What sets The Forge apart is year-round access. Central Oregon has no dedicated ice today. The Pavilion, Bend’s only current option, is seasonal and offers roughly five months of ice. Families drive hours for consistent time. Youth programs fill before the season starts.

Beyond the ice, the facility will include an athletic lodge with food and beverage, a pro shop, a training gym, and event spaces.

Built Debt-Free, Owned by the Community

Here is the part we want to be upfront about: the money. The Forge is funded 100% by local investment. No long-term debt sits on the books. No lender controls our future.

Our capital campaign goal is $40 million. To date, we’ve secured $10 million, about 25% of the total. The land is already secured. We share these numbers in the open because trust is built on transparency, not hype.

Why a Debt-Free Model Matters

Most ice facilities struggle for the same reason. More than 80% of ice facilities(opens in new tab) in North America are 20 or more years old. Many face closure from debt, high energy costs, and single revenue streams.

We designed The Forge to avoid those failure points. Diversified revenue will carry the building: programs, pro shop, events, food and beverage, and memberships. Modern, energy-efficient construction will keep costs down. The result will be a facility built to serve generations, not one quarter.

Ice for All of Central Oregon

Championship ice does not mean an elitist attitude. We celebrate first-time skaters as much as elite athletes. Everyone belongs at The Forge.

Year-round access will open the door for the whole region:

• USA Hockey-sanctioned youth hockey programs
• Figure skating clubs and competitions
• Learn-to-skate for all ages
• Adult recreational leagues
• Public skating sessions

Having two sheets of ice will also change what Bend can host. The Forge will be equipped to run simultaneous games, positioning the region as a destination for both youth and adult leagues. Paired with Bend’s hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation, the facility will bring visiting teams, families, and real economic impact to Central Oregon. Every champion starts somewhere, and so does every great host city.

Follow the Journey From Vision to Groundbreaking

The Forge Community Iceplex will be a community-built, debt-free home for ice in Bend, and we’re sharing every step in plain sight, from vision to groundbreaking to opening day.

The honest part of an honest project is the invitation. Sign up to follow the progress, or support The Forge as a community partner at any level. Bend has wanted this for years. Let’s build it together.