Ice skaters, curlers and hockey players will be able to enjoy a post-game beer when they head to the new Bend Park & Recreation District ice rink this winter.

Tuesday evening, the district board decided to go forward with a plan to secure a liquor license allowing the district to sell malt beverages, wine and cider at the ice pavilion, marking the first time the district would directly sell alcohol to consumers. Under the proposal, district staff would be pouring drinks most afternoons and evenings at the facility.

The license would allow the district to sell alcohol on a limited basis in other locations as well, such as at adult softball games and events at the Bend Senior Center.

When alcohol has been sold at park district facilities in the past, it has been by a contractor working with the district, such as at the Munch & Music concert series at Drake Park. Distilled spirits require a separate license, which the district is not currently seeking.

The covered rink, under construction near the corner of Colorado and Simpson avenues in southwest Bend, is projected to open by the end of the year. One of the largest projects funded under the $29 million parks bond approved by voters in 2012, the facility will serve as an ice rink in winter, and provide a space for court sports like pickleball and basketball in warmer months.

Matt Mercer, the district’s director of recreation, told board members Tuesday that there’s been strong interest in alcohol service at the facility by hockey and curling teams, both of which regard drinking as part of their sports’ culture.

Mercer said it’s not expected the volume of alcohol sold at the ice pavilion would be large enough to attract an outside vendor.

Board member Brady Fuller cast the only vote against the measure Tuesday. Fuller said he didn’t think selling alcohol was in keeping with the district’s central mission and commitment to healthy lifestyles.

Ellen Grover, also a member of the board, said while she appreciated Fuller’s reservations, selling soda isn’t key to the district’s mission, though its available at some district facilities. Grover said in moderation, alcohol is no more unhealthy than soda.

Board member Ted Schoenborn said Bend’s two obsessions — recreation and craft beer — sometimes seem to pull the community in opposite directions, before voting to support the proposal.

District Executive Director Don Horton said it’s possible to go “too far” when selling alcohol at a recreational facility, and recalled a story he read about a Little League complex that sells beer by the can, the six pack and the case.

Under the proposal approved Tuesday, alcohol consumption at the ice pavilion would be limited to certain parts of the facility when minors are present, and more broadly during events for adults.

The district intends to purchase an insurance policy to protect it from any liability that might result from the sale of alcohol, at a cost of $3,000 to $4,000 a year.

— Reporter: 541-383-0387,

shammers@bendbulletin.com