Referendum a win for rec facilities: Arena, pool, theater and Splash Pad

To sustain its recreational facilities for current and future generations, the City of Albert Lea is implementing $12.3 million in projects for long-term maintenance and energy savings at the City Arena, Aquatic Center and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. In addition, the city plans to add public restrooms near the Splash Pad at the north end of Broadway Avenue.

With federal funding of $2.5 million available for the energy-savings projects, the net cost to taxpayers will be $9.8 million or less. The Albert Lea Hockey Association, Figure Skating Club and Community Theater have all pledged to help pay for some of the projects.

Albert Lea residents voted 1,849 “yes” to 600 “no” on April  9, 2024, to authorize funding for the projects.

“We thank our community for supporting the proposal, and we are excited to start working on the projects,” said Cathy Malakowsky, director of engagement and enrichment for the City of Albert Lea.

Recreaction facilities support quality of life, economy

These rec facilities all support a high quality of life and contribute to the local economy. For example, nearly 50,000 people visited the City Arena in the last 12 months, most of them for hockey games and tournaments.

For youth hockey, the arena hosts more than 100 games and 12 weekend tournaments per season, with those visitors likely spending at least $1 million total at local motels, restaurants and businesses, according to the Recreation Department. The department based the spending estimates on a University of Minnesota-Duluth study of the economic impact of amateur hockey in Hermantown and Proctor, Minn. That study found that each out-of-town hockey player is usually accompanied by two family members, with each person spending on average of $45 – $135 a day.

Below is a summary of projects for each facility.

City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive

$8.23 million net cost in projects ($10.71 million less $2.48 million in federal funding)
Built in 1967 as the field house for Lea College, the city bought the building when the college closed and converted it to an ice arena in 1976. The second sheet of ice opened in 1999. The Arena totals 99,800 in square footage.

The arena projects include repairing support beams; replacing the floor of the Colstrup rink; replacing the two separate refrigeration systems for both rinks with one system; replacing the lighting with LEDs; expanding the lobby; and replacing other equipment or fixtures.

Aquatic Center, 321 James Ave.

$1.04 million in projects
The Aquatic Center opened in 1975 and was rebuilt with new features, including a water slide, in 1998.

The Aquatic Center needs to replace equipment that is starting to fail, including boilers, water heaters and electrical systems. Replacing the lighting with LEDs will reduce energy use. Limited remodeling will move the entry for more locker room choices when entering the facility.

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 N. Broadway Ave.

$294,000 in projects
The city owns the theater building, which is managed by Albert Lea Community Theater. Projects include replacing the front windows; replacing the front doors to meet ADA requirements; LED lighting; water conservation measures; and HVAC automation.

Splash Pad, 107 Fountain St.

$250,000 for restrooms
Funded mostly by donations, the Splash Pad opened in 2017. Restrooms in this location will serve the downtown area, including popular events such as the Farmers Market, Wind Down Wednesday and Thursdays on Fountain.

Financing, election and contingency costs

The city has added $500,000 to the borrowing amount to pay for the special election, financing costs and potential contingencies.