ICE ARENA LEVY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
LINK HERE for most up-to-date project information
Supplementary information and reports regarding this on-going project and incremental funding is accessible below and is sequenced from most recent activity nearest the top of the page to inception of the project at the bottom.
February, 2020 - Contract approval for design scope of work, document preparation, bid documents and bid process.
November, 2019 - Presentation to BOPARC for design scope of work, timeline for document preparation, bidding and construction documents and phases.
October, 2019 - Presentations to Monongalia County Commission, Stakeholder Groups and Morgantown City Council complete.
September, 2019 - As Ice Arena season 2019/2020 gets underway, we are in discussions with the Mills Group team on Phase II of our improvements. We anticipate being able to update everyone on the proposed work for Phase II by the end of October.
November, 2019 - Presentation to BOPARC for design scope of work, timeline for document preparation, bidding and construction documents and phases.
October, 2019 - Presentations to Monongalia County Commission, Stakeholder Groups and Morgantown City Council complete.
September, 2019 - As Ice Arena season 2019/2020 gets underway, we are in discussions with the Mills Group team on Phase II of our improvements. We anticipate being able to update everyone on the proposed work for Phase II by the end of October.
March, 2019 thru August, 2019 - PHASE I IMPROVEMENTS - As we entered the end of the regular ice season, we began preparing to address components of this project, including recommendations made by the Mills Group team that need to be performed in the off-season.
One of those recommendations, made by Allegheny Design Services, was to conduct ultrasonic NDT testing of our glulam arches. We needed to do this in order to accurately predict how renovations can be most appropriately managed within the existing structure. The complete report of this testing can be accessed below this section.
We also addressed issues with our sanitary lines in the main restrooms. We had already collected exploratory data on these issues, which had been exacerbated over a period of time by additions to the original plumbing, original pipelines that are outdated and some misuse resulting in the need to regularly cut through non-waste material in the lines. This process weakens the overall line and does damage the line being evacuated to some extent. The upgrades were done with consideration to the larger renovations to be made in the future.
Additionally, a feasibility study has been completed for Concept A and a business plan formulated, with historical data provided and input considered related to our community's demographics and user group needs. This report is broken down into three sections - the narrative, appendix I and II and programming summaries. All of those can be accessed below as well.
One of those recommendations, made by Allegheny Design Services, was to conduct ultrasonic NDT testing of our glulam arches. We needed to do this in order to accurately predict how renovations can be most appropriately managed within the existing structure. The complete report of this testing can be accessed below this section.
We also addressed issues with our sanitary lines in the main restrooms. We had already collected exploratory data on these issues, which had been exacerbated over a period of time by additions to the original plumbing, original pipelines that are outdated and some misuse resulting in the need to regularly cut through non-waste material in the lines. This process weakens the overall line and does damage the line being evacuated to some extent. The upgrades were done with consideration to the larger renovations to be made in the future.
Additionally, a feasibility study has been completed for Concept A and a business plan formulated, with historical data provided and input considered related to our community's demographics and user group needs. This report is broken down into three sections - the narrative, appendix I and II and programming summaries. All of those can be accessed below as well.

morgantown_ice_arena-ndt_report_wsc_06-27-2019.pdf | |
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boparc-morgantown_ice_arena-business_plan.pdf | |
File Size: | 1841 kb |
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appendix_i_and_ii.pdf | |
File Size: | 1893 kb |
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program_charts_and_projections.pdf | |
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Mills Group Program Design & Project Administration
September, 2018 - Concept A was chosen as the designated design by the BOPARC Board. There are opportunities for additional funding that will need to be pursued for the entirety of this concept. The guaranteed funding available will allow for several needed mechanical and infrastructure updates to the facility itself and will operate within the spirit of the Parks and Trails Levy, which indicated funding for renovations, upgrades and improvements to our Ice Arena.
August, 2018 - The Mills Group and its team of engineers, consultants and management specialists, including Allegheny Design Services, Cheat Road Engineering, Firland Management and H.F. Lenz. Mills Group presented designs to BOPARC at the regular BOPARC meeting for that month. These design options and project costs for these options are summarized below.
In December of 2017, after a public RFQ advertisement and interview process, The Mills Group was chosen to establish a scope of work and prepare for the design and administration of the project. The RFQ leading to this partnership is accessible below. The Mills Group team conducted research, meetings with BOPARC administration, City administration, site visits, and charrettes with stakeholder groups over several months.
August, 2018 - The Mills Group and its team of engineers, consultants and management specialists, including Allegheny Design Services, Cheat Road Engineering, Firland Management and H.F. Lenz. Mills Group presented designs to BOPARC at the regular BOPARC meeting for that month. These design options and project costs for these options are summarized below.
In December of 2017, after a public RFQ advertisement and interview process, The Mills Group was chosen to establish a scope of work and prepare for the design and administration of the project. The RFQ leading to this partnership is accessible below. The Mills Group team conducted research, meetings with BOPARC administration, City administration, site visits, and charrettes with stakeholder groups over several months.

Concept A includes utilization of the existing ice sheet and places a studio rink in an expanded space facing the current parking lot. Additional seating, locker room space, a shared Zamboni area, expanded party room space and increase in services offered are some of the highlights. This concept has an estimated cost range of $10Million-$15Million Dollars in 2017/2018 figures.

Concept B also allows for a full ice sheet plus a studio rink, positioning the studio sheet in a manner that utilizes half of the current sheet. The full sheet would then be comprised of the remaining half of the current sheet and an additional area. This would change the configuration of the facility as shown. Again, additional seating, locker room space, a shared Zamboni area, and expanded party room space would be planned. This concept has a cost range of $12Million-$17Million Dollars in 2017/2018 figures.

Concept C makes provisions for necessary systems upgrades, including upgrades and necessary modifications to HVAC (upgrading the vaper barrier and dehumidification units), installing new fire alarm and electrical distribution systems, LED lighting, and addressing long-term chiller issues, among other necessary systems work. These upgrades are included in Concepts A and B as well, as they are the first steps in bringing the facility into a more 21st Century model. This concept represents $2.5Million Dollars in upgrades.
RFQ Details:

request_for_qualifications.pdf | |
File Size: | 388 kb |
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Brailsford & Dunlavey Studies:
There were two separate studies completed by Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. in preparation for the RFQ for the design and administration of upgrades, improvements and renovations to the Ice Arena. The first study, a Capital Improvement Plan, details the possible improvements that could be considered for the arena. The BOPARC Board reviewed this study and requested additional information and analysis on similar sized communities with varying ice rink options such as year-round ice, two ice slabs vs. one, etc. BOPARC was asked to provide information regarding peak usage times, patron numbers for public sessions and programming, financial reports on the Ice Arena's general operation. These studies are integral to the current design team for comparative analysis purposes as well as to stakeholder groups and the public in terms of actual usage numbers and cost of possible improvements. Both of these studies are accessible below:

morgantown_ice_arena_cip.pdf | |
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morgantown_ice_arena_utilization_and_financial_study.pdf | |
File Size: | 6644 kb |
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Parks and Trails Levy Passes ~
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 1, 2106
In a Special Meeting on February 10, 2016, the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners voted to participate in an excess levy call for the purposes of the following project: To receive funds for improvements, upgrades and renovations to the Morgantown Ice Arena. This was one of a host of projects on the ballot in relation to parks, recreation & trails in the community managed by several different entities.
BOPARC would like to thank each and every patron and citizen that made the levy successful! Without your support our community trails would have suffered a major funding shortfall and we would not someday be able to put forth the dream of upgrades to our local Ice Arena.
This project has been planned as a long-term solution for needed upgrades and improvements to our current facility. These upgrades will require design and engineering studies and renovations will not be undertaken until the proper planning is put forward on the front end.
Now that an avenue for funding is secured, BOPARC will begin the planning process with appropriate partners and sources of support and will move forward with the on-site improvements after all funding has been received and all required planning steps have been completed. Remember, this funding is spread over five (5) years and will be received in quarterly payments. The amounts of those payments will vary based on the receipt of actual property tax dollars. Funds will be placed in a separate account in order to comply with our audit requirements.
We ask for your patience and input during the planning process. There will be opportunity for stakeholders and patrons to participate in this long anticipated project. Keep in mind that renovations are costly and that we must ensure that each dollar is used wisely. To draw comparison to how far our approximate 2.5 Million might go, refer to these recent upgrades to ice arenas across the country:
Project 1 – Included replacing the ice system, dasher boards, control systems, and HVAC systems. The arena also received energy efficient lighting retrofits, new energy management systems (EMS), a new melting pit for ice shavings, and an impressive energy efficient dehumidification system. 5 Million Dollars. http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/publication/burnsville-ice-arena-renovations-burning-energy-savings
Project 2 – New warming room, party rooms, pro shop and skate rental room area. Updated refrigeration system, LED lighting and ceiling to prevent humidity build-up. New bleachers and flooring surrounding the ice floor as well as new boards, glass and nets. An all new gas fireplace–stone covered and running the height of the building. Remolding of locker rooms will be remodeled. 7 Million Dollars.
http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/warinanco-ice-skating-center/
Finally – A story of the unfortunate situation that takes place when the project is more than the secured funding: http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2011/dec/10/costs-janesville-ice-arena-renovations-shoot-past-/
Please continue to follow our Levy Updates at www.boparc.org and if you would like to complete a survey regarding the needs of the Ice Arena community, it can be downloaded and returned to info@boparc.org as well.
In a Special Meeting on February 10, 2016, the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners voted to participate in an excess levy call for the purposes of the following project: To receive funds for improvements, upgrades and renovations to the Morgantown Ice Arena. This was one of a host of projects on the ballot in relation to parks, recreation & trails in the community managed by several different entities.
BOPARC would like to thank each and every patron and citizen that made the levy successful! Without your support our community trails would have suffered a major funding shortfall and we would not someday be able to put forth the dream of upgrades to our local Ice Arena.
This project has been planned as a long-term solution for needed upgrades and improvements to our current facility. These upgrades will require design and engineering studies and renovations will not be undertaken until the proper planning is put forward on the front end.
Now that an avenue for funding is secured, BOPARC will begin the planning process with appropriate partners and sources of support and will move forward with the on-site improvements after all funding has been received and all required planning steps have been completed. Remember, this funding is spread over five (5) years and will be received in quarterly payments. The amounts of those payments will vary based on the receipt of actual property tax dollars. Funds will be placed in a separate account in order to comply with our audit requirements.
We ask for your patience and input during the planning process. There will be opportunity for stakeholders and patrons to participate in this long anticipated project. Keep in mind that renovations are costly and that we must ensure that each dollar is used wisely. To draw comparison to how far our approximate 2.5 Million might go, refer to these recent upgrades to ice arenas across the country:
Project 1 – Included replacing the ice system, dasher boards, control systems, and HVAC systems. The arena also received energy efficient lighting retrofits, new energy management systems (EMS), a new melting pit for ice shavings, and an impressive energy efficient dehumidification system. 5 Million Dollars. http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/publication/burnsville-ice-arena-renovations-burning-energy-savings
Project 2 – New warming room, party rooms, pro shop and skate rental room area. Updated refrigeration system, LED lighting and ceiling to prevent humidity build-up. New bleachers and flooring surrounding the ice floor as well as new boards, glass and nets. An all new gas fireplace–stone covered and running the height of the building. Remolding of locker rooms will be remodeled. 7 Million Dollars.
http://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/warinanco-ice-skating-center/
Finally – A story of the unfortunate situation that takes place when the project is more than the secured funding: http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2011/dec/10/costs-janesville-ice-arena-renovations-shoot-past-/
Please continue to follow our Levy Updates at www.boparc.org and if you would like to complete a survey regarding the needs of the Ice Arena community, it can be downloaded and returned to info@boparc.org as well.

boparc_questions_for_stakeholders_092016.docx | |
File Size: | 125 kb |
File Type: | docx |