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Ice Garden renovation on schedule and on budget, city staff report
Summary
City staff told council July 14 that the Bloomington Ice Garden renovation remains on time and within its $37.2 million budget, with an anticipated opening of fall 2025 and major work completed on rinks, HVAC and mechanical systems.
City staff reported to the Bloomington City Council on July 14 that renovation work at the Bloomington Ice Garden (Big) is proceeding on schedule and within the approved budget.
Why it matters: The Ice Garden is a widely used community facility for hockey, figure skating and public skating. Major renovation milestones affect program availability, operating costs and community recreation planning.
Leah Hughes, deputy director of parks and recreation, and project manager Deb Williams presented construction photos and progress updates. Hughes said, “on time and on budget are my favorite words,” and noted the project’s total budget of $37,200,000, funded with $35,000,000 in local option sales tax and a $2,270,000 deed grant. The team said rinks 1 and 2 have completed concrete floor pours and that the new ammonia refrigeration plant components and compressors have been installed in a new equipment addition. Locker-room and concourse framing, new restrooms, expanded seating, ADA lifts and new HVAC systems were shown in recent construction images.
Staff gave a projected opening of fall 2025 with a target of Oct. 1. Council members asked about operational impacts and safety. Council member D’Alessandro asked about maintenance and long-term operating costs; Hughes said staff are developing standard operating procedures and a maintenance plan and that new equipment should be more efficient than older systems but that actual operating-cost data will be clearer after the first season. Council member Mua asked about ammonia safety plans; staff said they are coordinating with the fire department and vendors and monitoring systems are being installed.
Discussion vs. decision: The item was an informational construction update; no council action or budget amendment was proposed or taken at the meeting.
What’s next: Staff will continue biweekly photo updates to the project web page and finalize operating and maintenance plans before facility opening.
Sources: Presentation to Bloomington City Council, July 14, 2025; comments from Leah Hughes and Deb Williams.
