Fundraising for Gipp Arena ice-plant moves forward; council hears $1.1M estimate

Jeff Erickson updated the council on phased improvements to the Gipp Arena, reporting $225,000 raised so far toward an ice-plant replacement and a committed donor offering $75,000.

Erickson said the project will be implemented in phases: re-sleeving pipes and temporary measures to extend operation, then installing new boards and glass (estimated about $200,000), and new flooring (estimated about $700,000). He described the overall project estimate as about $1.1 million and said St. Cloud would provide an updated quote by the end of the week.

Council and staff discussed seeding the crowdfunding campaign with $25,000 from the Gipp fund to generate donor interest; Manager Ian Lewis and Erickson also explored savings if DPW builds platforms and local businesses barter electrical work. Erickson noted higher, safer plexiglass would be used when boards and glass are replaced.

Separately, Manager Ian Lewis described preliminary plans for a splash pad at the Gipp Recreation Area; total installation costs were estimated at $90,000–$100,000. Lewis said a mix of grant funds could be pursued—citing a possible $20,000 grant, plus $10,000 from the Keweenaw Community Foundation and $10,000 from a Health Foundation toward a local match if DPW contributed labor.

The council did not take a separate vote on the ice-plant fundraising plan at the meeting; staff were directed to obtain updated quotes and to consider fundraising tactics and in-kind labor to reduce costs.

Funding and procurement details reported in the meeting remain estimates pending vendor quotes and grant outcomes.