VANCOUVER, Wash. -- It is news General Manager Bob Knoerl has been dreading to tell his customers.
“I had to make a decision to let people know that there is a drop dead date that City Bible Church is looking at. And it is August 31st 2018," he said.
The Mountain View Ice Arena is the only ice rink in Clark County. Knoerl says they may have to close in August. City Bible Church next door owns the building and is planning to expand with a school.
“I look at the ice, I look at the people, and I think what if this all goes away?” said Knoerl. “I haven't really thought about it, but it makes me want to fight harder not necessarily to keep this building, but to keep an ice facility in Vancouver."
Many people in the skating community know the place as the only rink in town. Or as the rink Tonya Harding still skates at.
“I think a Christian school is great but I think ice rinks and bowling alleys are part of the community,” said Hockey Player Logan Valkana.
For the people who skate or play hockey here every week, it is much more than just a rink.
“it is my whole life,” said Henry Horvat. “It means interacting with people from 15 years old to 64 years old.”
Knoerl says he's not giving up.
“There is a little road block right now. It's a speed bump. We'll get over this speed bump. My only ambition right now is to keep skating in the Vancouver, Clark county area. Keep it alive,” said Knoerl.
A spokesperson for the church says an exact date hasn't been set and the ice rink might get to stay open a little while longer as they finalize building plans.