New ice facility and Muni expansion in Williston could open in 2028

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - Williston Parks and Recreation is looking at hiring a construction manager at risk for two community projects. The board approved the process and interview committees, with hopes that contracts will be formed by the end of the year.

The first proposal would bring a year-round ice facility to Williston, tentatively named the “Williston Energy Center.” It would be located at Williston Square, west of the Grand Williston Hotel, where the former Sloulin Airport hangar is. Parks Director Joe Barsh said the facility would have two year-round ice rinks, one seasonal rink and an indoor turf field.

“Because of the hangar, we have a unique opportunity to build a pretty cool, unique ice facility since most sheets of ice don’t come from an airport hangar,” said Barsh.

Barsh said they’re also turning the 9-hole municipal golf course into a full-fledged 18-hole course. It’s expected to be a par-71 course, changing the layout for most of the existing holes. The design also shows a new clubhouse, practice range and residential development.

“To attract the right builders, we are just about certain that we are not going to have a 2027 golf season. If we were, it adds more than a year of construction time to the course,” said Barsh.

Barsh said the rough estimate is that both facilities will be open to the public in 2028.

The Muni is being funded through sales tax collected by the Parks Department. The Ice facility is funded through Williams County’s one-cent sales tax, with the County pledging $12 million and the City of Williston pledging $10 million.