Perham receives major donations to fund Arvig Park skating rink

At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Perham City Council accepted $87,092 in charitable contributions that city officials say will move the Arvig Park trailhead project closer to construction. The single largest gift, an $80,000 contribution from the Perham Area Youth Hockey Association, is the association's third consecutive donation of that size and is designated for a new outdoor skating rink and related facility under the Operation Trail Head plan.

Operation Trail Head is intended to produce a community building at the Arvig Park trailhead that can function as a warming house for the sledding hill, provide restrooms and concessions, and accommodate an outdoor rink. City officials told the council that the $80,000 spread over multiple years may be sufficient to build a rink and a smaller warming house in 2026, accelerating a recreational asset that leaders have promoted for years.

The council also accepted additional contributions from West Central Initiative earmarked for improvements at Perham Auditorium and for a local housing study. Combined donations presented at the meeting totalled $87,092, reflecting continued private and nonprofit support for municipal projects in Perham.

Alongside acceptance of donations, the council approved municipal equipment purchases included in the adopted 2026 budget. The city will purchase a street sweeper and a lawn tractor; officials noted the street sweeper will be funded from the approved budgeted amount. Those purchases indicate ongoing investment in routine public works capability even as the city pursues new recreational amenities.

For residents, the planned rink and warming house represent more than winter recreation. A staffed warming house and restrooms would improve safety and access on the sledding hill and attract families and youth teams, supporting local fitness, volunteering, and small-scale tourism. The Perham Area Youth Hockey Association's repeated contributions signal strong stakeholder investment in youth athletics and community infrastructure.

Policy implications include the role of private donations in advancing capital projects and the need to plan for future operating and maintenance costs once facilities are built. Council decisions this month reflect a balance between one-time capital purchases and recurring service needs that will surface as new amenities come online.

Our two cents? Watch upcoming council agendas and budget meetings, because the next steps will set the timeline for construction and clarify who pays for long-term upkeep. If you care about winter recreation or community space, now is a good time to get involved or ask how the project will be staffed and maintained.