ICE ARENA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Supplementary information regarding this project is accessible below and is sequenced chronologically with most recent activity nearest to the top of the page.
Comparative Project Costs
One sheet of ice in Bismark $16M
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/price-tag-for-third-ice-rink-at-vfw-sports-center-rises-by-millions-bids-awarded/article_eb3c591e-09d6-11ed-b6f8-dbaf284382d3.html
Two sheets of ice in Waterton: $34M
https://www.thepublicopinion.com/story/news/2022/07/05/ice-arena-costs-expected-reach-34-million-city-may-seek-bond/7782081001/
One or Two sheets in Canada: $13.4M
https://www.peacearchnews.com/news/city-awards-construction-contract-for-new-cloverdale-sport-ice-complex/
Two sheets of ice in Shakoppee Min: $30.4M – included other facilities
https://www.shakopeemn.gov/recreation/community-center/community-center-improvements
One sheet in Bowie, MD: $20M
https://wtop.com/prince-georges-county/2022/04/city-of-bowie-considers-new-ice-rink-again/
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/bismarck/price-tag-for-third-ice-rink-at-vfw-sports-center-rises-by-millions-bids-awarded/article_eb3c591e-09d6-11ed-b6f8-dbaf284382d3.html
Two sheets of ice in Waterton: $34M
https://www.thepublicopinion.com/story/news/2022/07/05/ice-arena-costs-expected-reach-34-million-city-may-seek-bond/7782081001/
One or Two sheets in Canada: $13.4M
https://www.peacearchnews.com/news/city-awards-construction-contract-for-new-cloverdale-sport-ice-complex/
Two sheets of ice in Shakoppee Min: $30.4M – included other facilities
https://www.shakopeemn.gov/recreation/community-center/community-center-improvements
One sheet in Bowie, MD: $20M
https://wtop.com/prince-georges-county/2022/04/city-of-bowie-considers-new-ice-rink-again/
For Immediate Release – January 11, 2023
On December 15, we were notified by Mills Group that lead times for some ice arena components - particularly the chiller - would exceed the planned construction timeline to opening of the new ice arena. In particular, they were estimating delivery times for the chiller system up to 50 weeks. We were notified at that time that there were options to perform construction on the arena, split the project, and offer a shortened season in 2023 but that there were no guarantees that the season would occur and that there were some risks to the new construction that did occur. We brought that information to the Board at your meeting on December 28 and provided notice to user groups and the public that due to these newly-discovered project lead times the construction would likely proceed through the 2023 season without opening the ice arena. Given the strong opposition to that option from user groups, we revisited this issue with Mills Group to determine whether a shortened 2023 season was a viable option. After working with Mills Group, we believe we have a way forward that is likely to deliver a shortened 2023 season and complete the project as anticipated. Based on the recommendation from Mills Group, we will be removing the chiller system from the main project bid and issuing a separate notice to bidders for delivery of that system. Mills Group has informed us that by removing this portion of the project from the general bid, we will likely be able to deliver a permanent installed chiller system by the time the 2023 season will start on October 1. This will be an option because some delays in the general bidding process will be avoided, in which the contractor would have procured a chiller system and then submitted for approval by Mills Group and awaited confirmation. In addition, the general bid documents described this as a separate specialty contractor project. By issuing a separate bid, Mills Group expects that BOPARC is likely to have access to contractors focused delivering these systems, who might not seek the bid as a specialty subcontractor of the general contractor, and who would also be in position to deliver the system more quickly. In order to accomplish this, Mills Group will issue an addendum to interested bidders by the deadline of January 12, indicating that the chiller system portion of the project is removed. Based on an earlier addendum, bids on that project will be received by January 26. Mills Group will also prepare a notice to bidders and specifications to award the chiller system as a separate project, which we expect to receive bids for in early February.
On December 15, we were notified by Mills Group that lead times for some ice arena components - particularly the chiller - would exceed the planned construction timeline to opening of the new ice arena. In particular, they were estimating delivery times for the chiller system up to 50 weeks. We were notified at that time that there were options to perform construction on the arena, split the project, and offer a shortened season in 2023 but that there were no guarantees that the season would occur and that there were some risks to the new construction that did occur. We brought that information to the Board at your meeting on December 28 and provided notice to user groups and the public that due to these newly-discovered project lead times the construction would likely proceed through the 2023 season without opening the ice arena. Given the strong opposition to that option from user groups, we revisited this issue with Mills Group to determine whether a shortened 2023 season was a viable option. After working with Mills Group, we believe we have a way forward that is likely to deliver a shortened 2023 season and complete the project as anticipated. Based on the recommendation from Mills Group, we will be removing the chiller system from the main project bid and issuing a separate notice to bidders for delivery of that system. Mills Group has informed us that by removing this portion of the project from the general bid, we will likely be able to deliver a permanent installed chiller system by the time the 2023 season will start on October 1. This will be an option because some delays in the general bidding process will be avoided, in which the contractor would have procured a chiller system and then submitted for approval by Mills Group and awaited confirmation. In addition, the general bid documents described this as a separate specialty contractor project. By issuing a separate bid, Mills Group expects that BOPARC is likely to have access to contractors focused delivering these systems, who might not seek the bid as a specialty subcontractor of the general contractor, and who would also be in position to deliver the system more quickly. In order to accomplish this, Mills Group will issue an addendum to interested bidders by the deadline of January 12, indicating that the chiller system portion of the project is removed. Based on an earlier addendum, bids on that project will be received by January 26. Mills Group will also prepare a notice to bidders and specifications to award the chiller system as a separate project, which we expect to receive bids for in early February.
December 29, 2022 - For Immediate Release:
The bid process for the Ice Arena Improvement Project is underway. As BOPARC has worked through the process with The Mills Group and perspective contractors, several sequence-of-work and timeline challenges have been presented. These challenges are due to extraordinary lead times for multiple construction components.
To better facilitate a complete and quality project, BOPARC will be seeking a continuous construction period as opposed to a two-season, phased approach. This approach does not impact the overall construction timeline. This means that the Morgantown Ice Arena will close at the end of the current season (March of 2023) and will reopen at the start of the 2024 season (August of 2024).
BOPARC is sharing these details to provide the community with the most up to date project information. Additional questions should be directed to info@boparc.org, RE: Ice Arena Improvement Project.
The bid process for the Ice Arena Improvement Project is underway. As BOPARC has worked through the process with The Mills Group and perspective contractors, several sequence-of-work and timeline challenges have been presented. These challenges are due to extraordinary lead times for multiple construction components.
To better facilitate a complete and quality project, BOPARC will be seeking a continuous construction period as opposed to a two-season, phased approach. This approach does not impact the overall construction timeline. This means that the Morgantown Ice Arena will close at the end of the current season (March of 2023) and will reopen at the start of the 2024 season (August of 2024).
BOPARC is sharing these details to provide the community with the most up to date project information. Additional questions should be directed to info@boparc.org, RE: Ice Arena Improvement Project.
ICE ARENA PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS:
- Required mechanical, electric, plumbing upgrades
- New chiller system
- New dehumidification system
- Ice slab and under-slab piping demolished and replaced
- Concourse demolished and repoured
- New dasher board system
- Replacement bleachers and other seating amenities throughout
- Upgrades to restrooms, locker rooms
- New building envelope - roof, insulation, siding
- New entrance and foot traffic flow
- Upgrades to warming room, skate rental area, customer service areas
- Dedicated party room for rentals
- Electronic point of sale and reservation systems
- Overall upgraded visitor experience
PROJECT ARCHIVES (CONCEPTS, STUDIES, REPORTS)
DP article and design

morgantown_ice_arena-ndt_report_wsc_06-27-2019.pdf | |
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boparc-morgantown_ice_arena-business_plan.pdf | |
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appendix_i_and_ii.pdf | |
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program_charts_and_projections.pdf | |
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Concept A - utilization of the existing ice sheet and studio rink in an expanded space facing the current parking lot. Additional seating, locker room space, restaurant, shared Zamboni area, expanded party room space. This concept represented a preliminary cost range of $10Million-$11.5Million Dollars in 2017/2018.

Concept B - 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. Configuration of the facility changed as shown. Again, additional seating, locker room space, a shared Zamboni area, and expanded party room space included. This concept contained a preliminary estimated cost range of $12Million-$17Million Dollars in 2017/2018.

Concept C - provisions for necessary systems upgrades, including upgrades and necessary modifications to HVAC (upgrading the vaper barrier and dehumidification units), installation of new fire alarm and electrical distribution systems, LED lighting, and addressing long-term chiller issues, among other necessary systems work. These upgrades consistent with Concepts A and B as well. This concept represented preliminary estimate of $2.5Million Dollars in 2017/2018.
RFQ Details:

request_for_qualifications.pdf | |
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Brailsford & Dunlavey Studies:

morgantown_ice_arena_cip.pdf | |
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morgantown_ice_arena_utilization_and_financial_study.pdf | |
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Parks and Trails Levy Passes - 2016
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-/
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-/
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 | |
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