South Dakota Community Foundation awards $20,000 to Oahe Hockey Association

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Oahe Hockey Association. Funding will support costs associated with architectural design, an essential step to advance construction plans, secure permits, and sustain donor momentum toward creating a safe, inclusive, year-round hub for recreation and community engagement.

"This grant will support renovations to the Ice Barn in Pierre, the only year-round ice rink within 100 miles,” said Nick Marso, Oahe Hockey Association President. “The renovations will benefit youth hockey, youth figure skating, adult hockey, and recreational skating for all. We are grateful for the support from the South Dakota Community Foundation.”

The Oahe Hockey Association (OHA) is the governing body for amateur hockey in Pierre and Fort Pierre. For nearly three decades, the OHA has been a cornerstone for youth development, recreation, and community connection in Pierre, Fort Pierre, and the surrounding areas of central South Dakota for over 2.300 youth each year. In 2022, OHA embarked on a three-phase, multi-year capital plan to ensure year-round ice access, expand capacity, and modernize the facility. Phases 1 and 2 have been completed, and OHA is currently working on Phase 3 which will transform the Ice Barn from a basic practice rink into a competition-ready, year-round facility capable of hosting major tournaments, camps, and community events. 

"Oahe Hockey Association has been working tirelessly to improve the Ice Barn, located in Pierre, to benefit the community for years to come," says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “We are proud to partner with the Oahe Hockey Association to make their dreams a reality.”

To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/