The 21st Century Parks initiative has helped transform Aldrich Arena from an Ice Arena to what is now a multi-purpose Community Event Center serving 120,000 users annually (half of participants are from non-ice use) who are engaged in Quinceanera celebrations, Latinx concerts, graduation ceremonies, Hmong New Year celebrations, and beyond. In order to accommodate the significant diversity of use, future growth, and advance racial equity, funding is needed to address major issues including health and safety, ADA compliance, security, energy efficiency, amenities and beyond.
Major items include:
1) Replace ceiling paint - user and staff safety issues as people can be hit by large strips of peeling / falling paint. Tests are underway to determine if asbestos remediation is required.
2) Install additional lighting and security cameras - as theft from vehicles and vandalism is an ongoing issue.
3)Replace loading dock and create an updated ADA accessible entrance which is currently non-compliant - the loading dock is failing presenting building safety issues and threatening the ability for multi-purpose use of the facility along with the need for an updated ADA accessible entrance.
4)Convert the current refrigerant R22 - which has become obsolete, to an ammonia-based ice plant.
5)Installation of a dehumidification system - needed to alleviate the occurrence of future ceiling paint issues and preserve building infrastructure.
6)Install a Building Management System - increase energy efficiency by controlling refrigeration, heat and lighting throughout the building.
7)Locker room remodeling and expansion - to address space requirements and meet modern demands. Community engagement was conducted in the summer of 2022 engaging both users and non-users. Participants helped inform facility priorities that are listed in this request. This work ties with the following County strategic priorities (1) Residents First This project will address safety issues, meet the needs of residents, increase opportunities for more equitable programming, and increase accessibility and inclusivity by addressing ADA issues. (2) Responding to Climate Change The installation of an updated refrigeration system, LED lighting, Building Automation System will reduce energy consumption. (3) Intergenerational Prosperity for Racial Inclusion The project has opportunities to advance workforce contracting and inclusion. This project is included in the city’s 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As of May 10, 2024, project funded for FY2024-2025. Design work is expected to take place in Summer 2024, when funding becomes available. Construction planned to start in the Spring of 2025 and completion in the Fall of 2025 in time for ice season. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.
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