by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A second Sartell ice arena is closer to reality after a second lead gift to its capital campaign.
Sartell Youth Rec Center, owners and operators of Bernick’s Arena, announced on Jan. 15 the donation from Regional Diagnostic Radiology.
The plans for a second sheet of ice shifted in November from an open-air structure to an enclosed, year-round building including ice/refrigeration system, weight and dry land training area, lockers rooms and turf system. SYRC is in the final stages of securing the dollars needed to begin construction of the arena.
The recreation group is working with builders and architects to come up with the final development cost. When the group was planning the open-air arena, the initial cost was $5.3 million, according to Brian Zimny, SYRC Steering Committee chair.
The recreation group began planning for a second arena in 2015.
Zimny said that when the estimates came in, the cost for the open-air arena was higher and the cost for the enclosed structure was lower, making the enclosed plan more attractive.
The group hopes to start construction this year and have the addition ready for use sometime during the 2020-21 hockey season.
Participation in hockey has grown so much that the additional sheet of ice is needed to serve skaters from pre-kindergarten, through high school, college and even adults.
Zimny noted the effort has wide support from individuals, local businesses and the city. The new facility, Zimny said, will make Sartell a more attractive location for hockey tournaments. In addition, it will be equipped with turf so that other sports such as soccer, baseball and football can use the space for games or for practices in bad weather.
As the lead donor in the project, RDR secured the naming rights to the new arena. Scheels secured the naming rights to the complex, which will be known as Scheels Athletic Complex following construction. Bernick’s recently renewed its donation to continue its naming rights of the existing arena. SYRC has not released any of the donation amounts.
“The increase in size and scope of this project is not only a great economic boost for our community – it is also a true testament to the financial commitment from our community partners who are excited to see this project break ground,” Mayor Ryan Fitzthum said in statement.
Regional Diagnostic Radiologists has served Central Minnesota since 1975. With more than with 20 physicians and physician assistants, the practice cares for patients across nine hospitals and multiple clinics.
