Worthington, school district and hockey association discuss $16 million plan to rebuild ice arena on current site

Worthington school board members heard a detailed briefing on a revised plan to renovate the town’s ice arena and add a second sheet of ice, with an estimated total cost of $16 million. City Administrator Steve Robinson told the board the new proposal would rebuild and rewrap the existing facility, replace the concrete and refrigeration under the rink, add a second sheet of ice to the west of the current building and create removable turf for non‑ice months to allow year‑round community use. The project would reuse the current arena site rather than the earlier plan to build north of town, Robinson said, and would include a large parking lot that would also benefit the fairgrounds. ‘‘The fair board has agreed to allow the additional area to be constructed on,’’ Robinson said, and the Worthington Hockey Association has indicated support, though it would give up ownership of the existing building under the plan. Why it matters: the school district, city and hockey association had previously discussed a different new‑build approach. Board members were briefed so they could consider whether to continue toward project delivery and formal agreements; the scale and ownership model could affect district finances and long‑term maintenance responsibilities. Board commitment and fundraising: board members were reminded the district previously committed $5,000,000 toward a new construction plan. Robinson said the city has committed $5,000,000 and discussions continue about increasing that to $7,000,000; the hockey association has raised about $900,000 to date. Robinson said additional fundraising by the association would be expected if the project proceeds. Ownership and maintenance: Robinson said ownership would need to be either the city or the school district; the city would accept ownership if the district declines. ‘‘If the city owned it, you would be responsible then for the maintenance,’’ Robinson said. He clarified the city’s stated position that the owner would carry ongoing maintenance and replacement costs. Next steps and schedule: Robinson described a construction manager‑at‑risk (CMAR) delivery approach. The district and city planned to publish a request for qualifications the day after the meeting with a deadline of Oct. 8; a selection committee would choose a preferred construction manager in October and negotiate design and a guaranteed maximum price. Robinson said the target construction start is May 2026 with completion in October or November 2027, so the 2027‑28 ice season could be the first full season with two sheets. Questions and scope: board members asked whether the $5,000,000 district pledge would carry forward to the revised plan; Robinson said the district’s prior commitment remains. Trustees also asked about the hockey association’s fundraising, potential city contributions, and how leases or user agreements would be structured; Robinson said new lease or user agreements would be needed and negotiations remain to be completed. No vote: the board did not take formal action on this revised plan at the meeting; members treated the presentation as informational and requested continued updates and follow‑up in coordination with city and association leaders.