Ashland Ice Rink Closed All 2025-2026 Season After Canopy Permit and Engineering Delays Derail Opening
ASHLAND, Ore. — Because of an uncompleted engineering analysis after operational issues experienced by the canopy manufacturer, unresolved permitting delays mean that the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink will not open for the 2025-2026 season.
Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink Closed For 2025-2026 Season
Weeks after the Ashland Parks and Recreation Department (APRD) indicated that the opening of the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink would be delayed, the agency has now confirmed that the Ice Rink will be closed for the 2025-2026 season as delays in finalizing the required permanent structure permit cannot be resolved in time for the upcoming holiday season.
Sources: City of Ashland FAQ for the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink / canopy bid specs / Ashland Parks and Recreation announcements
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The ice rink’s opening was initially planned for Friday, November 21, but, as the canopy was classified as a “temporary structure,” raised every winter and lowered every spring, APRD transitioned the canopy to a permanent structure that will be up year-round to save costs and extend the life of the fabric cover this year.
- Feb 2025 / APRD begins permanent canopy permit process.
- Nov 20 2025 / City announces opening delay over structural engineering review.
- Nov 21 2025 / Planned opening date passes with rink still closed.
- Dec 10 2025 / APRD confirms rink closed for the 2025 to 2026 season while local engineer finishes analysis and permit.
But as a permanent structure, the canopy needed a more robust review under the State building code than was required for the temporary opera permit. An engineer must evaluate the structure, canopy, and footings to verify that they can withstand specific scenarios, including wind events, earthquakes, and snow loads.
An architect also needs to ensure the structure is accessible and meets fire and life-safety provisions to protect the public. Parks Director Rocky Houston worked with the canopy manufacturer to conduct the analyses, but recent staffing and layoff changes at the manufacturer meant the engineering analyses were not completed in time.
APRD has now shifted to working with a local engineer to conduct the analyses. The project is still moving forward, and efforts are being made to ensure the canopy structure meets all applicable State Building Code requirements for permanent use. In the meantime, the ice rink area will remain closed to the public until the permit is issued.