Additional ice for the arena is not part of an arena renovations/expansion project now being designed. The work already agreed to carries an estimated price tag of $7.2 million.
The ice study will be by Crossroads Consulting Services of Tampa, Fla., which is being paid $50,000. The company is familiar with the arena from its involvement in last year’s arena study that led to the project now under design.
Brock Heath, chairman of city council’s recreation and parks committee, described the ice study as basically “to see if the numbers make sense to move forward.”
Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director, said by approving the consulting contract council was not being asked to authorize any work beyond analyzing the potential of having a second ice sheet added either at or adjacent to the 1950s arena.
Among work to be done by consultants would be a market demand analysis, an inventory of ice rinks in the region and survey user groups, Titterington said. They also would develop an estimate of usage, assess operating impact, develop a financial pro forma and cost analysis. The work would not include final design.
The study is estimated to take around four months. The city recreation board recommended council approve the consulting work.
“It makes sense to do a study,” Heath said. “If it is a good idea, we can’t do anything without a study anyway.”
He and Councilman Doug Tremblay said they were surprised by the number of people who expressed interest in the additional ice during the arena study and discussions.
Among those commenting was the Troy Skating Club, whose treasurer Kathy Slack emailed council members in summer 2014 outlining what a second ice surface would mean to the club and city. Slack mentioned that with increasing use of the arena, there is a need for more ice for skating activities by the club and other organizations such as the local hockey programs. The club has hosted national ice events, but the facility needs more locker/dressing rooms and ice time for practices, she said.
“Troy is so fortunate to have the Hobart Arena,” she said.
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