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Local group pitches three‑phase plan to restore second ice sheet at Centennial Center
Summary
A representative of the Grafton Blueline Club described a three‑phase plan to reintroduce a second rink at the Centennial Center and said the club is pursuing bank financing and internal funding; the council heard the presentation but took no funding action.
At the June 10 council meeting, Matt Olson described a three‑phase plan from the Grafton Blueline Club to restore a second sheet of ice at the Centennial Center.
Olson said Phase I would prepare groundwork and utilities and construct an outdoor chilled rink with a warming house; Phase II would replace the Centennial Center floor and install a chiller to serve both arenas; Phase III would enclose the outdoor rink with a structure. He said the Blueline Club is working with Bremer Bank on financing and expects the club to be the primary funding source. Olson clarified he was not asking the City for financial assistance or commitment at this time and that the Building Committee is seeking bids for Phase I while exploring loan or tax‑exempt financing options.
Council member Don Hutson cautioned that when the Centennial Center lobby project was completed, only about 70% of pledged funds were actually received, signaling a fundraising risk for projects that rely heavily on pledges.
The presentation served as informational public comment; the council took no formal action on the proposal during the meeting.
