Our Vision: Building More Than Ice

A Place to Play. A Place to Grow. A Place to Belong.

More Than Ice. A Place to Belong.

Imagine a place where a young child takes their first steps onto the ice, where athletes of all abilities are welcomed, where families gather to create lasting memories, and where opportunities extend far beyond the rink.

Imagine a place where financial circumstances don't automatically determine who gets to participate, where young athletes can pursue their dreams closer to home, and where people of all ages can discover new passions, friendships, and a sense of belonging.

That's the future we envision for North Idaho.

At Beyond the Boards Foundation, our long-term goal is to develop a welcoming, year-round, multi-rink ice sports and community complex that brings people together through recreation, education, mentorship, and meaningful community connections.

Our vision isn't simply about building ice rinks.

It's about creating opportunities, removing barriers, strengthening families, and building something that can serve our community for generations.

Three Rinks. Countless Possibilities.

At the heart of our vision is a thoughtfully designed facility featuring three NHL-sized ice rinks, creating opportunities for recreational skating, organized sports, training, competitions, and community events.

Our preliminary concept includes:

We hope to create a facility that can welcome first-time skaters, recreational participants, competitive athletes, and spectators alike.

Whether someone dreams of playing hockey, learning to figure skate, trying curling, or simply enjoying an afternoon of open skating, we want them to feel that there is a place for them.

Opportunities for Every Age and Ability

We believe ice sports should be accessible to more people, not just those who have the resources or experience to participate.

Our envisioned programs include:

Hockey and Player Development

Youth and adult hockey, beginner programs, skills clinics, camps, recreational leagues, competitive opportunities, and potential pathways for athletes seeking to continue playing beyond high school.

Figure Skating and Learn-to-Skate

Welcoming programs that introduce children and adults to skating, build confidence, encourage personal growth, and support those wishing to develop their skills further.

Curling and Recreational Ice Sports

Opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to experience different ice sports, enjoy friendly competition, and discover new ways to stay active.

Adaptive and Accessible Ice Sports

Thoughtfully designed opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including sled hockey and adaptive skating, with accessibility considered throughout the facility and its programs.

Scholarships and Equipment Assistance

Our goal is to help reduce financial barriers through future scholarship opportunities, equipment assistance, and community partnerships so more individuals and families can participate.

Military, Veteran, and First Responder Opportunities

We hope to work with community partners to develop programs and opportunities that recognize and support those who serve, along with their families.

Beyond the Rinks: A Community Within a Community

While ice sports are central to our vision, the heart of Beyond the Boards Foundation reaches much further.

We envision a facility where people can learn, connect, celebrate, and support one another, even when they aren't on the ice.

Potential amenities include:

We want the facility to feel less like a traditional sports arena and more like a welcoming community destination.

A place where parents can connect while their children practice.

Where friendships grow beyond teammates.

Where people can discover opportunities they never knew existed.

And where everyone feels valued, whether they're participating in sports or simply enjoying being part of the community.

Removing Barriers. Opening Doors.

For many families, participation in organized sports can come with significant challenges.

Equipment costs, registration fees, travel expenses, limited local opportunities, accessibility needs, and other obstacles can make participation difficult or even impossible.

Our founders understand many of these challenges through their own family's hockey journey.

Those experiences helped inspire a foundation built around a simple belief:

Opportunity should not be reserved for those who can afford it most easily.

Through future scholarships, adaptive programs, equipment resources, partnerships, and accessible facility design, we hope to help remove barriers that prevent people from participating.

Because sometimes, one opportunity can change the direction of someone's life.

Building with Purpose. Planning for Generations.

Our vision includes more than the activities that would take place inside the facility. We also want to be thoughtful stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

As planning progresses, we hope to explore responsible building practices and technologies such as energy-efficient lighting, ice refrigeration heat recovery, water conservation, and other sustainable solutions where feasible.

We also envision a warm, welcoming architectural atmosphere inspired by North Idaho's natural beauty, incorporating wood, stone, comfortable gathering spaces, and a sense of connection to the surrounding community.

Our goal is to develop a facility that is functional, accessible, financially responsible, and built with future generations in mind.

Stronger Together: A Community Vision

A project of this size cannot be accomplished by one family or one organization alone.

It will take the combined efforts of community members, volunteers, businesses, civic leaders, ice sports organizations, educators, and supporters who believe in creating meaningful opportunities.

We hope to build partnerships that strengthen existing programs, expand access, and create new possibilities throughout North Idaho.

We believe the greatest impact will come not simply from the facility itself, but from the people who come together to make it possible.

Because when a community invests in opportunity, it invests in its future.

Where We Are Today

Beyond the Boards Foundation is currently in its early planning and organizational development stages.

We have established our nonprofit corporation in Idaho and are working toward federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition while developing our plans, building relationships, and laying the groundwork for future fundraising and community partnerships.

Our proposed facility, programs, and amenities represent our long-term vision. Specific features, timelines, and development plans will depend on feasibility, available resources, funding, and community partnerships.

We recognize that bringing this dream to life will take time.

But every meaningful journey begins with a first step, and we are committed to approaching this one with faith, integrity, patience, and care.

Be Part of Something Bigger

We invite you to imagine the possibilities with us.

Whether you're an athlete, parent, educator, business owner, volunteer, community leader, or someone who simply believes everyone deserves a place to belong, your interest and encouragement matter.

You don't need to know how to skate to believe in what we're building.

You only need to believe in the power of opportunity, compassion, and community.

Together, we can work toward creating something that will make a difference for generations to come.

Rooted in Faith. United by Community. Building a Place to Belong.

Beyond the Boards Foundation, Inc.

More Than Ice. A Place to Belong.