by Dennis Dalman
Construction of the Scheels Athletic Complex in Sartell is right on schedule and is still expected to host its grand opening sometime this April.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the construction progress, especially during these inclement months,” said Brian Zimny, president of the Sartell Youth Recreation Center (SYRC), which leads the athletic-complex project. “The demand for the additional recreational space is there and has been for many years. It will be great to see the arena in operation, especially as spring sports get underway and the demand for (artificial) turf increases.
The new arena, enclosed and with a fabric roof, is being built just to the south of Bernick’s Arena. It will host hockey and ice-skating activities in the winter months. The rest of the year, thanks to its artificial turf, it will be the site for others kinds of sports.
The complex will be available for ice rentals November through March. Turf rentals will be open from April through October.
The cost of the approximately $6.2-million project was made possible by fundraising by the SYRC, a loan, funding by the City of Sartell, donations from many individuals and major grants from 17 organizations/businesses, including Scheels Sporting Goods, for which the complex will be named.
SYRC was formed in 2001 about two years before the Bernick’s Arena was built. It promotes participation of youth in ice-related sports and in other athletic and recreation programs.
A community fundraising campaign is underway. To contribute, visit www.SCHEELS-AC.com
For questions about turf and ice rentals, contact the arena facility manager, Jon Erickson, at jon.bernicksarena@tds.net
