Florissant converting Eagan Center ice surface to multipurpose roller court, expands programming and hires seasonal staff

Mayor Tim Lowry interviewed Missy Wilkes, the City of Florissant’s recreation manager, about changes at the James J. Eagan Center rink, including a seasonal conversion from ice to a multipurpose roller-sport surface and new programming aimed at widening community use.

The conversion requires turning off the rink chillers so the ice can melt ("it takes a day or 2 to melt," Wilkes said), power-washing painted residue multiple times, squeegeeing the surface dry and then installing a sport-court material. Wilkes said this season the city will install the sport court itself for the first time and estimated the full transition could take several days up to a week depending on conditions and how the material was packed.

Why it matters: converting the surface is intended to keep the pavilion in use year-round and support rentals, leagues and community events. Wilkes described free community skate dates and lessons in partnership with local group Skate Culture, as well as space for camps, homeschool events and fundraisers.

Wilkes outlined recent facility work at the Eagan Center pavilion: the concession area and skate shop were relocated and upgraded, privacy for locker rooms was improved, and the scoreboard was replaced. She said the facility—"around for 50 plus years"—needed attention and many repairs and upgrades are ongoing.

Programming and rates: the roller surface is a multipurpose sport court with markings for multiple activities; Wilkes said the city has lines for lacrosse and other sports and is exploring street-hockey programming. For rentals she said roller-hockey is priced at about $100 per hour and other activities start around $65 per hour to keep access affordable.

Staffing and public information: Wilkes said the parks and recreation department will need seasonal employees, particularly lifeguards for summer pool operations, and directed listeners to call the Eagan Center and ask for her for booking and flyers. She said the city newsletter and posted brochures will include hours and event information. A contact email appears garbled in the transcript; Wilkes referred listeners to the city human-resources page for job listings.

Facility features and events: the rink now supports LiveBarn streaming for games and Wilkes said lighting tests were run during the ice season (the lights were damaged by a Zamboni and will be adjusted for future use). She said lighting will help themed roller nights such as glow events.

"It is an outdoor covered space," Wilkes said, noting the pavilion allows rain-or-shine use for both the ice and roller configurations. Mayor Lowry praised Parks and Recreation staff for the in-house renovations: "you guys have done a great job," he said.

Next steps: Wilkes said the department is finalizing hours and session times for open skates, lessons and rentals and will proceed with the sport-court installation soon. Those seeking bookings or job information should contact the James J. Eagan Center directly or consult the city’s employment page.