On August 12, 2026, the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena became the latest stop on the national Engineering & Public Works Roadshow, with three leading infrastructure organizations recognizing the project as an outstanding example of the collaboration required to deliver transformational public infrastructure.
Representatives from the American Public Works Association (APWA), the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) joined City of Watertown officials, project partners, and community leaders today at the facility to celebrate the cooperation that brought the $36.5 million Prairie Lakes Ice Arena from a decades-long vision to reality.
News Coverage
KXLG – National Roadshow Showcases Prairie Lakes Ice Arena as Model of Community Collaboration
KWAT – Prairie Lakes Ice Arena Recognized With National Honor
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown Prairie Lakes Ice Arena Earns National Infrastructure Spotlight on Roadshow
Watertown Current – Watertown garners national recognition for Prairie Lakes Ice Arena
More than a new recreational facility, Prairie Lakes Ice Arena reflects nearly 20 years of planning, public engagement, engineering expertise, private fundraising, and community support. Through the Build It Now campaign, local businesses, organizations, and residents contributed $10 million toward the project, helping create a facility that has expanded recreational opportunities, attracted regional events, and strengthened the local economy.
“The ice arena had long been identified as a need in Watertown which explains why thousands of people donated time and money to see this project to completion. This makes it all the more gratifying to see what a tremendous success the arena has proven to be. The events it holds, and the people it draws into town, have greatly benefited our local economy,” said Watertown Mayor Ried Holien. “Just as important, however, is that it has become a source of great pride. It is a beautiful and functional building. I constantly hear from people who praise the ice arena and say that it was ‘built right.’ It’s incredible to see how the experts at APWA also recognize how well the project was envisioned and executed.”
The ice arena was selected by APWA as a Top Project of 2025.
The Roadshow highlights infrastructure projects that demonstrate how collaboration among public works professionals, engineers, elected officials, private industry, and community partners creates lasting public benefit.
“For years, Watertown recognized that its existing facility could no longer meet the community’s needs. Rather than accepting that limitation, this community came together with a shared vision,” said APWA Region VI Director Bill Stogsdill Jr., CPM, CPWP-M, PWLF. “Today, this facility is already providing greater recreational opportunities, attracting regional events, supporting the local economy, and incorporating sustainable technologies that will benefit the community for years to come.”
“Today we celebrate another outstanding example of what happens when communities invest in their future,” said ACEC South Dakota National Director Chad Hanisch. “As engineers, our work isn’t always visible, but it touches every aspect of our daily lives. That’s my message today to students: Consider a career in engineering and join us on exciting projects like this one that will improve your own backyard.”
“Our job as engineers is to respond to the needs and desires of our communities with structures that keep them safe and make their lives more enjoyable,” said Matthew Brua, ASCE Committee on America’s Infrastructure. “The Prairie Lakes Ice Arena is an example of how improving our built environment can strengthen communities and create new opportunities for residents.”
During the ceremony, attendees heard from city leaders and project partners who helped guide the arena from concept through construction and into daily operation, including Watertown City Engineer Justin Petersen, City Attorney Lisa Carrico, Build It Now campaign leader Jodi Driscoll, and former Prairie Lakes Ice Arena Superintendent Scott Gloe.
With today’s event, Prairie Lakes Ice Arena joins a growing list of Roadshow stops nationwide showcasing infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
