Council approves move of roller rink to Cary Park and conversion of courts to add three pickleball courts

The International Falls City Council on July 21 approved moving the city’s roller-hockey facility to the outdoor rink at Cary Park and authorized the Rainy Lake Pickleball Association to resurface and convert the roller-hockey section on Nineteenth Street and Second Avenue East into three additional pickleball courts at no cost to the city, provided the association signs a simple contract. Why it matters: The action repurposes underused recreation space to meet growing demand for pickleball while preserving roller-hockey play by relocating the existing facility. What the council approved: Councilor Wagner moved to relocate the roller rink to Cary Park; Councilor Boehlert seconded. The council also approved allowing the Rainy Lake Pickleball Association to fund and complete resurfacing and conversion at no city cost. Councilor Weigley and others recommended the city require a short contract to protect the city if the association does not finish the work; the council agreed and asked the city attorney to prepare a simple agreement. The motion passed unanimously, 5–0. Financial and scheduling notes: The association told the council it will raise funds for the conversion and that estimated surfacing/cost coding is about $9,600. Councilors said the conversion will not begin until the roller rink is confirmed relocated and operational at Cary Park. Next steps: The city attorney will draft a simple contract for the association to sign specifying responsibilities and protections; staff will confirm scheduling so the conversion does not proceed before the roller rink is relocated. Council members said they welcomed community investment in recreational facilities while protecting city property interests. Ending: Councilors framed the move as a cooperative solution to growing recreational demand and instructed staff to finalize agreements before work begins.