Council gives staff direction to proceed with $83,000 concept design for downtown ice-rink project

City staff asked Redmond City Council for a check-in before authorizing $83,000 in design work to develop a 30% conceptual design for a new downtown ice-rink and multiuse family-entertainment facility.

Keith (parks staff) described the consultant scope as two potential designs, high-level engineering needs and an opinion of probable cost for each option. He said the fee for this conceptual design phase is $83,000 and that the amount is below the contract threshold but represents the first outside dollars "out the door." He said the design will allow council to compare scale and operational implications before committing to construction.

Why it matters: Councilors flagged operations and long-term general-fund impacts as the central issue. Staff said they will develop operational options and partnership models before council makes a construction decision. Council discussion also emphasized location and downtown activation: staff identified the preferred site near Centennial Park and the existing RPD (former police) building; demolition costs are not included in the $83,000 fee.

Discussion highlights

- Scope and cost: Staff said the $83,000 fee covers 30% concept design only. Demolition of the existing building and construction costs are outside this fee; staff will meet with engineering to scope demolition requirements.

- Site and program options: Staff identified the current RPD/former police building site near Centennial Park as the primary location. Speakers outlined possible year-round uses (ice skating in winter; roller or roller-sport, mini-golf, seasonal theater or family activities in summer) so the facility could be active year round.

- Operations and partners: Councilors and staff repeatedly emphasized the need for an operations model and reliable operating partner. Staff noted a range of approaches used in other cities (city-run operations, consultant operators, public-private partnerships) and said they will return with options, revenue projections and estimated long-term general-fund impacts.

- Timeline and next steps: Staff said the consultant work would produce decision points; staff expects the next formal council decision point in June. Council members agreed to forward the design proposal to the next council meeting (first meeting in February) for public exposure and further discussion.

Action and consensus

Councilors expressed general support for moving forward with the consultant's 30% concept design for $83,000 while asking staff to return with a clearer operational plan, partner options and refined cost estimates before construction authorization. Staff said they would pursue engineering scoping for demolition, assess urban renewal and parks participation, and present refined cost/operations materials at subsequent meetings.

Ending

Council gave direction to proceed with the conceptual-design proposal and asked staff to return with operational models, partnership options and more detailed cost estimates before any construction decision.