Utah County is home to approximately 770,000 residents, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Within this rapidly expanding region, Saratoga Springs alone has grown to more than 58,000 residents, with projections showing continued accelerated development in the coming years.

Despite this explosive population growth and increasing demand for recreational facilities, Utah County currently has only one operational ice rink, Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah to serve the entire county. Peaks Ice Arena is over capacity and struggling to meet the needs of the wide range of programs it supports, including:

• UVU Hockey and other collegiate programs
• Wasatch Wild Travel Hockey
• High School Hockey programs
• Youth house leagues
• Learn-to-Skate and Learn-to-Play programs
• Figure skating programs
• Adult hockey leagues
• Public skate
• Multiple regional and national tournaments

As a result, access to ice time has become increasingly limited, causing scheduling conflicts, restricted opportunities for youth development, and barriers to growth for multiple sports. This strain will only intensify as the Utah Mammoth organization continues its significant investment in youth hockey and community ice sports development, further accelerating demand.

Meanwhile, Saratoga Springs currently lacks year-round recreational facilities that can support families, youth programs, and community events at scale. An ice rink would not only alleviate county-wide capacity issues but would also provide:

• A year-round, healthy recreational outlet for families
• A training and competition venue for youth and high-school programs
• Economic benefits through tournaments, events, and local business engagement
• A safe environment for athletes to learn discipline, teamwork, and community
• An anchor recreation facility for the fast-growing north-county population
• increase job opportunities for appropriate ages

Given the demonstrated need, population expansion, and the current unsustainable pressure on Peaks Ice Arena, a North Utah County ice rink is no longer optional—it is critical.

We, the undersigned, urge city and county leadership to prioritize the planning, funding, and development of a new ice arena in North Utah County, with Saratoga Springs as the ideal location. Saratoga Springs’ growth, central positioning, community investment, and lack of existing year-round facilities make it the optimal site to sustainably support current and future demand for ice sports and recreation.

Building this facility will strengthen our community, support youth development, enhance family recreational opportunities, and ensure that Utah County remains a thriving, forward-looking region capable of supporting its rapidly growing population.

We respectfully request action, planning, and open discussion with the community to move this essential project forward.