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Committee backs $940,000 short‑term repair plan for Marathon Park ice arena and sends funding request to HR/Finance
Summary
The committee recommended county‑level funding consideration for short-term repairs to the Marathon Park ice arena (Rink 2) — including a mat system, refrigeration and cooling upgrades — estimated at $940,000; the item will be forwarded to the HR/Finance committee to identify funding.
Marathon County’s Environmental Resources Committee recommended sending a request to HR/Finance for funding to complete short‑term repairs at the Marathon Park ice arena that staff say are needed to keep rink operations viable while the county evaluates long‑term options.
Jamie Polley, parks director, told the committee that the arena is an aging facility used by schools, youth hockey, figure skating and regional events. Staff and the park commission reviewed short‑ and long‑term options and recommended a short‑term plan that staff describe as the most flexible approach while the county evaluates whether to rebuild, relocate or renovate long term.
Polley said the short‑term package — estimated at $940,000 — would (a) install a removable mat ice system over the existing concrete floor tied into repaired refrigeration lines so the rink can operate seasonally, (b) make repairs and safety upgrades in the refrigeration room (including ammonia alarms and piping work), (c) replace a failing cooling tower, and (d) repair dehumidification systems. Staff said the mat system lifespan is roughly eight to 10 years if installed continuously, but it will be rolled up annually for fair use of the building; rolling may reduce that lifespan.
Supervisor Seefeldt moved to send the request to HR/Finance to identify funding sources; Supervisor Shaneborn seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote.
Committee members and staff emphasized that the short‑term repairs are intended to limit risk (including a potentially dangerous refrigeration-line failure) and preserve flexibility so future long‑term decisions (two new sheets at a new site, rebuilding one sheet in place, or other options) remain feasible. Staff said the work would be scheduled after the county fair so repairs can be completed before the next ice season.
