The Mitchell Park Board approved installation of exhaust fans in the Toshiba Rink locker rooms after representatives from Mitchell Skating & Hockey described persistent odor and moisture problems.

A Mitchell Skating & Hockey representative asked the board for permission to add exhaust fans that will vent through the rink's west wall. "We just wanna add, exhaust fans in the locker rooms because they need some air movement," the representative said. The board was told the work is a penetration of the building envelope but not a structural change and should meet normal electrical and building-code approval.

Staff said the plan calls for one fan to pull air from all rooms, with a timer so the fan runs before and during practices and events. Ceiling heights in the rooms range around 8 to 9 feet; staff also said new cubbies have been installed in many locker rooms to keep wet gear off the floor and reduce mold.

A board member moved to approve the exhaust fans; another seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. Board discussion emphasized using an electrician and approved equipment to meet code and keeping the venting routed to the west wall outside the building.

The fans will be installed under the oversight of parks maintenance and inspected to ensure compliance with codes. Staff said the change aims to reduce odors and improve air circulation in the locker rooms used for hockey and skating programs.