MORGANTOWN — If you’re hoping to lace up the skates another time or two this winter, time is running short.
The 46-year old Morgantown Ice Arena closes Feb. 2, at which point general contractor Lombardi moves in to complete a $3.1 million makeover of the facility.
“There are a couple weeks of public sessions open,” BOPARC President Danielle Trumble said. “Make sure you go out and check out the ice rink for nostalgic feels before it’s completely redone.”
The improvements will consist of upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, a new building exterior, a new roof, an improved dasher board system, new party rooms, rubberized flooring and other ice-related amenities in addition to the installation of the new chiller and dehumidification systems.
Trumble said BOPARC is aware there’s currently a broken heater unit at the facility and has opted not to address it as it would require tearing into the ceiling.
“One of four heaters is down and we would have to close down the ice rink for a few days to adequately make the expensive repair on that one heater, so we have not done that because we’re already nearing the end of the season that’s unusually short to begin with,” she said. “That doesn’t stop people from talking about neglect and disrepair. However, the analysis was done.”
Once the planned upgrades are completed in late summer or early fall, the facility will shift to an October – February season as it focuses on community use and moves away from competitive hockey and the mid-August through March availability of years past.
Mylan Park is in the process of constructing a $15 million to $17 million hockey arena that also has an expected completion date this fall.
BOPARC is anticipating its overall project cost to come in at or under $4 million.
“As a reminder, we were able to come in at or under budget on that project and we’re getting all the things we were hoping to get, including a new party room and an upgraded interior, new boards and all the stuff people are complaining about currently, Trumble said.
Information about public skate times is available at boparc.org
