ARENA TASK FORCE Draft Report February 16, 2016
RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION
2015 Van Dyke Avenue Maplewood, MN 55109 651.748.2500 Fax: 651.748.2508 www.ramseycounty.us
CONTENTS
Contents From the director............................................................ 4 Acknowledgments.......................................................... 5 Map of Arenas in Ramsey County.................................. 6 Executive Summary......................................................... 7 Introduction................................................................... 10
“…everything has a past. Everything – a person, an object, a word, everything. If you don’t know the past, you can’t understand the present and plan properly for the future.” -Chaim Potok, Davita’s Harp
Ramsey County Arena System...................................... 12 Arena-by-arena history................................................. 12 Department orginization.............................................. 17 Ice solicitation process................................................. 18 Dynamic changes to the marketplace.......................... 20 Backfilling arenas.......................................................... 21 Closure of the Colliseum.............................................. 23 Current long-term agreements..................................... 24 2015-16 customers at-a-glance.................................... 25 Financial background................................................... 26 Additional revenue streams.......................................... 27 Efforts to grow skating................................................. 30 Future challenges and opportunities............................ 31 Task Force Research...................................................... 33 Formation of a task force.............................................. 33 Declining use................................................................ 35 Demographic changes................................................. 37 Land owners................................................................. 38 Industry requirements................................................... 39 Aging infrastructure...................................................... 40 Other capital needs...................................................... 40 Arena coolant options.................................................. 41 Community Engagement.............................................. 43 Recommendations........................................................ 46 Appendix....................................................................... 54
Page 3
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
From the Director of Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Minnesota is the State of Hockey and Ramsey County, with 13 sheets of ice in 11 facilities, is clearly the capital. Ramsey County’s arena system has served the community well since many of the arenas were built in the 1970s. The system has helped to create a sense of place and a sense of community. As a county, we take pride in operating and maintaining a clean, safe and quality system. However, times change and buildings age. New environmental restrictions are phasing out the refrigerant that currently helps make ice at all county arenas. The buildings look well-worn from constant use and are showing their age. The demographics of our residents have changed over the decades since the areas were constructed, and this has impacted the culture of the metropolitan area. Skating is not necessarily a top leisure time choice anymore. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners charged the Arena Task Force with assisting us in looking at the past, present and future of our arena system. These appointed residents, along with staff and arena stakeholders, have studied the state of our system and are bringing forth the recommendations identified in this report. The task force reached these recommendations by carefully studying data, listening to user groups, learning about trends, hearing from subject-matter experts, and weighing the possibilities of many variables that impact indoor ice arenas. The complexity of the situation is evident and the future may bring several twists and turns. I want to thank the members of the Arena Task Force for their contribution of time, energy and ideas. This year-long process has yielded a report that covers the key issues that will arise over the next 20 years. The task force wrestled with difficult issues that have no easy answers and far-reaching ramifications. I also want to thank the many community members who participated in the public input sessions held throughout the county. Your thoughts, ideas and passion for local arenas are also reflected within this report. There will be difficult decisions ahead for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners concerning the indoor ice arena system. This report and the recommendations provided give us sound quantitative and qualitative reasons to help guide those decisions. The goal is to provide a system of arenas well into the future that best serves the community and enhances the quality of life in Ramsey County.
Sincerely, Jon Oyanagi Director, Ramsey County Parks & Recreation
Page 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Acknowledgements Many people contributed to make this report possible.
Ramsey County Board of Commissioners • • • • • • •
Victoria Reinhardt, Chair Blake Huffman Jim McDonough Janice Rettman MaryJo McGuire Toni Carter Rafael Ortega
Arena Task Force • • • • • • • • •
Jason Sprague, co-chair Michael McGraw, co-chair Mike Searles Debbie Montgomery Dan Galles Steve Younghans Donald Mullin Candy Petersen Steve Reeves, union representative • Blake Huffman • Jon Oyanagi
Technical Advisory Committee
• Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Sara Ackmann Joe Bergquist Paul Haglund Matt Just Ryan Ries Bill Ross Alisha Seifert Jim Welter • Rich Rakness • Bob Lind • Bret Swanson • Pete Carlson • Steve Borer • Kyle Gilespie • Saint Paul Parks and Recreation • Schwan’s Super Rink Todd Johnson Steve Olson
Page 5
MAP OF ARENAS IN RAMSEY COUNTY
Map of Arenas in Ramsey County BLAINE SPRING LAKE PARK MOUNDS VIEW
NORTH OAKS 10
§ ¨ ¦
a VADNAIS HEIGHTS
§ ¨ ¦
35W
694
a
694
61
LITTLE CANADA
a ROSEVILLE
NORTH SAINT PAUL
MAPLEWOOD
J I
36
36
J I 51
FALCON HEIGHTS
Biff Adams
a 51
a
120
94
a
§ ¨ I J ¦
aCharles M.
a
Ken Yackel-West Side
Pleasant 35E
Tartan Arena
Harding
Ja I 5
§ ¨ ¦
SAINT PAUL
J I Drake Arena
J I
aGustafson-Phalen
a
94
Arena
35E
Oscar Johnson
§ ¨ ¦
aPolar Ice
aAldrich
§ ¨ ¦
Coliseum (State Grounds)
a
White Bear
§ ¨ ¦
¢ ¡
Roseville Skating Center
LAUDERDALE
WHITE BEAR LAKE
GEM LAKE
Vadnais Sports Center
a
SAINT ANTHONY
J I
96
White Bear Lake Sports Center
SHOREVIEW
ARDEN HILLS
J I
a
Shoreview
NEW BRIGHTON
5
J I
a¡ ¢ 52
¢ ¡
149
61
J I 13
Schulz / Highland
´
WHITE BEAR TOWNSHIP
Hippodrome Ice Arena
a
J I
61
35E
¢ ¡
280
¢ ¡
§ ¨ ¦
§ ¨ ¦ 494
a a
Ramsey County Arenas Non Ramsey County Arenas
Page 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Executive Summary In 2015, The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners directed the County Manager to develop an Arena Task Force to study the current state of the indoor ice arena system and make recommendations for the system’s long-term future. The task force examined the history of the arena system, current operations and user groups; explored potential user groups and alternative uses for the facilities; and analyzed related issues. Public input was sought at various points during the process. A technical advisory team worked side by side with the task force providing data and information related to the various research topics requested by the task force. Based on this thorough review process, the task force has reached the system recommendations identified in this report. The recommendations in this report provide the county board with suggested policies that will guide the provision of an arena system far into the future. The arena system can continue to accomplish the vision, mission and goals of Ramsey County through the provision of geographical access to a recreational amenity that provides healthy, safe, community-building opportunities. The arenas are an important part of the overall quality of life for Ramsey County residents. The following is a summary of the Arena Task Force’s recommendations, which are basedupon the data analysis, trends examination, information from subject matter experts, community input, and the knowledge and experience of the task force members.
Ice assigning/priority of use Input from the community listening sessions overwhelmingly supported meeting the needs of Ramsey County residents and groups first in assigning ice hours. This recommendation prioritizes Ramsey County user groups. Ramsey County groups are defined as being based within the county with a membership made up of 50 percent or more by county residents.
Conditions for consolidation The Arena Task Force provides a suggestion for the threshold that would begin the process to look for ways to consolidate Ramsey County user groups into other arenas in preparation for looking at the need to repurpose a facility.
Page 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Contracted use opportunities Ramsey County has had successful ice contract relationships with several user groups that are not based in the county. This recommendation allows for similar agreements with those groups paying non-county rates and contributing to the capital costs of maintaining the building to compensate for not contributing through property taxes.
Ice rental rates One of the main reasons attributed to the decline in ice sports participation is the high cost of skating sports. This recommendation proposes freezing rates at current levels to hold costs down. Of course, if expenses rise this freeze may need revision.
Refrigerant replacement recommendation R-22 will cease to be manufactured in the year 2020. The task force recommends phasing the transition to another refrigerant, ammonia, over several years. The phased approach allows for the possibility of new technologies to emerge that may be more effective than ammonia. The recommendation also suggests storing R-22 to service the remaining systems until replaced.
Replacement schedule This phased approach allows for a gradual financial impact, time to consider reductions or additions to the system, and time for new technologies to surface that may solve the issue in a more effective way.
Other capital improvements The arenas in the Ramsey County system are more than 40 years old. They have been well utilized and are in need of refurbishing. The recommendation suggests adding these capital expenses to the replacement schedule for the refrigeration system.
Funding General Obligation bonds are one method suggested to fund the necessary improvements. Energy savings programs can be explored, however, some energy systems have already been updated over time and the savings may not be large enough to cover the feasible payback. Partnerships with other agencies and associations is another method to consider.
Criteria for ending use as an ice arena The task force recommends criteria for consideration of closing a facility. When a rink drops below 50 percent use by Ramsey County groups it will begin discussions about the future of a building. This will allow time to prepare for a change in use.
Page 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Criteria for adding an arena The task force also recommends criteria that should be used to consider adding to the system in the event ice sports rebound and grow in popularity. Adding a second rink or more to an existing facility maymay be part of the solution to operating a more efficient system while reducing single sheet sites.
Repurposing process Originally, the task force was to look at what a rink could be used for if the decision was made to cease use as an ice rink. This proved to be a daunting task in addition to the other decision points the task force was working towards. This recommendation provides a suggested process to utilize to explore other uses. Some ideas for alternative uses popped up at community listening sessions and were incorporated into the list in this report. Generally speaking, the repurposing process should involve many stakeholders and the general public. The space occupied by an arena has potential to serve many community needs and interests to meet the vision, mission and goals of Ramsey County.
Workforce impact The county board made it clear that the recommendations should not negatively impact the current county workforce. The task force’s recommendations take this into account. There are future opportunities for additional maintenance and operations personnel beyond the current demand for staff. The arena staff received many compliments during the community input sessions. The Arena Task Force spent many hours throughout the past year focusing on the Ramsey County arena system. They asked tough questions and learned more than they expected. They wrestled with complex issues. Most of the members are passionate about hockey and skating. The task force’s final recommendations reflect this research and passion and are meant to serve the best interest of all Ramsey County citizens.
Page 9
INTRODUCTION
Introduction Minnesota has a long, rich hockey history. Ramsey County operates one of the largest indoor ice arena systems in the United States. The county’s arena system consists of 11 facilities with 13 sheets of ice. Seven of the 11 locations are within the city limits of Saint Paul; four other facilities are located in suburban communities.
System history Aldrich Arena was constructed in 1962 as the county’s first arena. For many years it was the main destination for high school games and large events. Nine additional arenas were constructed between 1971 and 1975, some using state-approved county bonding initiatives during Governor Wendell Anderson’s administration. These facilities were prioritized in Saint Paul and strategically located in political districts connected to strong and vibrant community hockey programs. The majority of the arenas built were intended for use as practice facilities or shelters from the elements for the local high school and youth programs. In July 2014, Ramsey County acquired the Vadnais Sports Center. Constructed in 2010, it is the newest facility in the county system. Vadnais houses two sheets of ice and a domed artificial-turf athletic facility. Within Ramsey County there are also several non-county-owned indoor arenas including Roseville Arena, White Bear Lake Sports Center, White Bear Lake Schools, North St. Paul and Drake Arena. Additionally, 30 indoor arenas in the metro area surround the county. Currently, 133 different groups use the Ramsey County arena system for figure skating and hockey, as well as rummage sales, box Lacrosse and roller derby. The largest renter – with 3,464 hours annually – is the St. Paul Figure Skating Club, who rents daytime ice year-round.
Eight-year history of ice rentals booked at Ramsey County arenas. Year
Hours from October 1 to March 1
2008-09
13,086
2009-10
12,453
2010-11
11,218
2011-12
10,191
2012-13
11,372
2013-14
11,236
2014-15
12,293
2015-16
14,514
Page 10
INTRODUCTION
Formation of a task force In 2009, after several years of declining use at some arena locations, the county board was forced to look at options to consolidate the arena system. In addition to declining use, the county was also faced with potentially costly refrigerant replacement mandates and other significant capital improvements for its aging arenas. In 2010, the board made a decision to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the Frogtown Curling Club to operate Biff Adams Arena. The agreement provided a positive recreational opportunity within the county. However, the board had remaining concerns for the future of the arena system and sought additional decision making direction for the ten other ice facilities the county was operating. As a result, a task force was appointed in 2015 to analyze the Ramsey County arena system, gather feedback from the larger community, and make recommendations to the board that provide for long-term capital needs, priority of use and fee structures for continued effective operation of the Ramsey County arena system. The result of the task force’s work over the past year provides background information on the system and presents recommendations for county board consideration.
Page 11
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Ramsey County Arena System Arena-by-arena history While the county views its arenas as a system of ice sheets, each facility has its own unique history. This overview will give an interesting perspective of each facility and those familiar might enjoy this brief trip down memory lane provided by Vintage Hockey Minnesota’s website.
Aldrich Arena Aldrich Arena is located at 1850 North White Bear Ave in Maplewood. Built in 1962, Aldrich is a classic venue and Ramsey County’s premier spectator ice arena. The single-sheet facility has a seating capacity of more than 3,400 for ice events and concert seating available up to 4,430. Aldrich currently serves as a host site for high school hockey practice, league games and play-off games from mid-October through mid-March. Public open skating and long blade sessions are offered at a variety of times during the winter season. The facility is also used for nonice rentals from mid-March through mid-October. Events hosted at Aldrich include craft shows, conventions, sports events, trade shows, concerts, graduations and animal shows. Exhibit floor space is 17,000 square feet (200 feet by 85 feet). In August of 2014, Hill-Murray school signed a 20-year lease with Ramsey County that provided Hill-Murray with their own facilities, but also locked in game and practice times for the boys’ and girls’ junior varsity and varsity teams. In addition to the lease, Hill-Murray funded a construction project at the west end of Aldrich Arena that consisted of two brand-new locker rooms, coaching office, shower room, laundry facilities, weight room/stretching area, and storage area for hockey equipment and accessories. The county also installed an elevator at this time, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Page 12
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
History Aldrich Arena is named after the late Gene Aldrich, who pioneered the Minnesota State High School League Hockey Tournament in 1944. The now-defunct St. Paul Rangers, formerly of the Central Professional Hockey League, utilized Aldrich Arena for their home practice facilities and occasional game play. The Blue Ox, a member of the Roller Hockey International league for one season, used Aldrich for 12 home games in 1995. Before the Blue Ox games started, fans were able to enjoy in-line skating on the concrete rink, which helped the team sell tickets for its first and only season. Aldrich Arena was utilized by the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild for their official name unveiling in 1998. The announcement that the team would be called the Wild was made on January 22 to a capacity crowd as a large faux-puck was dropped from the ceiling at center ice, while kids wearing NHL uniforms encircling the center face-off circle. Aldrich also hosted the first two Minnesota State High School Girls’ Hockey State Tournaments before moving into Ridder Arena on the University of Minnesota campus.
Biff Adams Arena Biff Adams Arena is located near downtown Saint Paul within the historic Frogtown neighborhood. Biff Adams Arena, named after the St. Paul Mechanic Arts hockey team head coach Clarence “Biff” Adams, was dedicated on October 28, 1973. The arena has a small lobby and tiny makeshift locker rooms. With one regulation sheet of ice and seating for 200 guests, Biff Adams was the former home to the Como High School hockey team. Today the building is home to the Frogtown Curling Club. The building shares the same exterior design as White Bear, Ken Yackel, Pleasant and Highland Arenas, all built in the 1970s. During the summer of 2012, the first significant renovations were made to help convert Biff Adams Arena into a curling facility, and a new, five-year lease was signed with the county through 2017.
Page 13
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Charles M. Schulz-Highland Arena Charles M. Schulz-Highland Arena is located at 800 South Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul, near the Highland water treatment facilities. Highland Arena opened its doors in 1973 with one sheet of ice. Now known as the south rink, the facility utilized the same efficient design as Biff Adams. It is a very cold arena with excellent, hard ice in the winter months. In 1998, the adjacent north rink. The rink was dedicated in 2000 by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to honor long-time Peanuts comic creator, Charles M. Schulz, who was an avid hockey fan. Schulz was born in Minneapolis but grew up in the city of Saint Paul and attended St. Paul Central High School where he graduated in 1940. A special “Peanuts on Parade” Highland Hockey Snoopy statue stands proudly in the lobby of the arena. The south rink has seating for 610 spectators, while the north rink has seating for 1440 and is the home arena to the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders and Highland Capitals hockey programs. In 2015 Cretin-Derham Hall entered into a 20-year agreement with Ramsey County and built a community room as well as locker rooms for their boys’ and girls’ hockey teams.
Gustafson-Phalen Arena Gustafson-Phalen Arena is located directly behind St. Paul Johnson High School at 1320 Walsh Street in Saint Paul. Phalen Arena has been the home of the St. Paul Johnson Governors boys’ high school hockey team since 1975. When the school board passed plans to build two new hockey arenas, Ramsey County built the arenas on leased property from the school district as authorized by the school board. One arena was built at Johnson and the other at Harding High School. St. Paul Johnson was the earliest high school hockey powerhouse in the Twin Cities. The Governors won state titles in 1947, 1953, 1955 and 1963. Gustafson-Phalen gets its name from the legendary St. Paul Johnson boys hockey coach Rube Gustafson who coached the Governors to those four titles. Although he was a legendary coach, Rube Gustafson didn’t even know how to skate. He directed practices from center ice in overshoes. Until 1969 St. Paul Johnson remained the only team from the metro area to win a state championship. Brooks’ father, Herb Sr., had a lot to do with making the “old Phalen”- an outdoor rink what it was, “...a great place for kids to play hockey. Herb Sr. put in a lot of time, putting up the boards, maintaining the rink. The kids would skate until 9:30 or 10 at night, and then you would flood the rink before you went home. The only break was when one of parents brought some chili for everyone.”(vintageminnesotahockey.com) Most of the regular-season hockey games were played outdoors, at least until Aldrich Arena opened. Before that, most of Johnson’s home games were played at the Phalen rink, next to the street car line.
Page 14
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Harding Arena Harding Arena, located at 1496 6th Street East in Saint Paul, was built in 1975. Games between Harding and St. Paul Johnson High School in the ‘70s used to “draw thousands to see this storied rivalry.” Today, the schools are in a co-op team with the St. Paul Johnson Governors. Harding arena has nominal seating for 300 spectators. Harding is currently home to Woodbury Youth Hockey and Hill-Murray girls’ hockey team.
Ken Yackel-West Side Arena Ken Yackel Arena, located in Saint Paul’s West Side neighborhood at 44 Isabel Street East, opened its door in 1973. With one regulation ice sheet, and seating for 300, Ken Yackel Arena is named in memory of Ken Yackel, Sr., a local West-Sider and nine-letter winner at the University of Minnesota Gophers in hockey, baseball and football. In 1962, Yackel started one of Minnesota’s first-ever day hockey schools with Lefty Smith at Doug Woog, formerly Wakota Arena, in South St. Paul. Generations of Minnesota youth players were taught hockey by Yackel including Herb Brooks, Doug Woog and many others. Yackel was enshrined in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth in 1986.
Oscar Johnson Arena Oscar Johnson Arena, located near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Energy Business Park, was built in 1971. The building shares the same exterior design as Shoreview Arena. Located one mile from the State Fair Coliseum, Oscar Johnson provides seating for 300 spectators and one sheet of ice. The arena is dedicated to Oscar Johnson, an original founder of the Ice Follies. Johnson was dedicated to providing youth skating opportunities. Oscar Johnson is currently home to Hamline University’s mens’ and womens’ hockey teams.
Page 15
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Pleasant Arena Pleasant Arena is located at 848 Pleasant Avenue on the edge of Interstate 35E in Saint Paul. Pleasant opened its doors in 1973. Pleasant is home to the St. Paul Figure Skating Club, which operates a jump training section, has decorated the facility with various banners, photos and numerous accolades to those who have passed throughthe arena’s doors and gone on to great figure skating achievements.
Shoreview Shoreview Arena, located at 877 West Highway 96 in Shoreview, was built in 1971. With seating for 200 spectators, it is the home ice arena for the Mounds View/Irondale youth hockey program.
Vadnais Sports Center Built in 2010, Vadnais Sports Center was operated privately for four years before being purchased by Ramsey County in 2014. The county took over operation of the sports center in July 2014. Two sheets of ice serve the Mounds View boys’ hockey teams and the White Bear Lake boys’ and girls’ hockey teams. The ice is also home to the Maplewood Figure Skating Club. Vadnais Sports Center also features a sports dome with a full-sized soccer field plus an additional half field. The center also boasts a meeting room, weight room large gathering space with views of both ice sheets and a connected walkway to a nearby restaurant.
White Bear Arena White Bear Arena is located within Lakewood Hills Park at 2160 Orchard Lane in White Bear Lake. Built in 1973 with one regulation ice sheet and seating for 200, White Bear is home to the Mahtomedi youth hockey program.
Page 16
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Department organization While the organizational chart has changed over the decades, the talented and dedicated front line union staff have been a constant presence throughout. Currently, the division administration is led by a Director of Operations, who provides overall vision and supervision to personnel. The Director of Operations monitors the budget and inspires new initiatives to keep the division relevant in an ever-changing supply and demand market. The Director of Operations also creates the working atmosphere and holds all division members accountable for their role within the division, ensuring division success. The arena division also includes two Superintendents that provide on-site management at Charles M. Schulz-Highland, Pleasant, Aldrich and Vadnais Sports Center. A full-time Maintenance and Operations Supervisor oversees all Maintenance and Operations staff (M&Os) for the remaining seven facilities. The administrative team is rounded out by a Recreation Service Supervisor (RSS) and a Reservationist. The RSS and Reservationist are responsible for the ice-booking process. This organization model is unique among arena systems across the country. The operation is feasible because the union staff works in the county parks and golf courses during the summer months. The county has been able to sustain this operation over a long period of time and the buildings have maintained their value. The Ramsey County Arena Division’s past and current practice is to stay proactive in our communication with its customer base and lead the industry with operational standards.
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department Ice Arena Organizational Chart
Director of Parks and Recreation
Director of Golf and Arena Operations
Arena Superintendent
Arena Superintendent
Highland (2 sheets), Pleasant Arenas
Aldrich, Vadnais Sports Center (2 sheets) Arenas
Aldrich 1 Janitor 2 *M&O
Vadnais 3 M&O
Pleasant
*M&O = Maintenance and Operation Worker
Highland 4 M&O 1 Janitor
Arena Operations Supervisor Harding, Phalen, West Side, Oscar Johnson, Shoreview, White Bear Arenas
Recreation Supervisor
Public Arenas 14 M&O 6 M&O floaters-all arenas except Aldrich
Page 17
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Ice solicitation process With 13 sheets of ice to book, the county has implemented a formal solicitation process that is fair and equitable. In March of each year the Arena Division sends out a letter to all ice arena user groups requesting their ice time needs for the upcoming fall/winter schedule. There is no formal solicitation process for spring/summer ice because of lower demand, making it easier to allocate. The fall/winter ice solicitation process is important because it affects operational needs and allows arena staff the necessary time to prepare the arena opening schedule for the fall. In order to ensure equity in allocating ice time, it’s crucial that each user group complete and return a detailed list and calendar ice request form. Internally, division administration begins by asking high school athletic directors and head coaches for all game and practice ice time requests for the upcoming year to be submitted no later than April 1. Youth associations are also required to submit tournament ice requests no later than April 1. Each association president must sign the request form to assist in the verification of the number of participants the association serves. These numbers are confirmed with Minnesota Hockey. Data is then entered into the ice time software by reservation staff. The order of ice time allocation is: high school hockey games and practices first, youth hockey tournaments second, and then all other bulk ice for youth groups. Adult groups round out the allocation process and typically purchase the 10 p.m. hour on weekdays and various weekend evenings. Each group is also asked for their preference of ice arena. This does not mean that every user group will receive all their ice at that preferred arena but note of that preference is important. If the arena division receives requests after April 15, they are given lower priority. Additionally, customers that returned 50 hours or more in prior years (without picking up a similar amount) are not allocated as many hours for the coming season. The division commits by email the fall/winter ice schedule and contract to each user by July 15. Contracts must be signed and returned by August 15. A signed contract guarantees the ice allocated by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation. If the customer does not accept each and every hour allocated, they must return a copy of the schedule with those hours they do not accept crossed out by August 8. Customers must return ice proportionate to the allocation. For example, a typical ratio is one weekday to two weekend hours allocated, therefore, users are required to return one weekday hour for every two weekend hours allocated. If a user crosses out all the 7 a.m. times on Saturday morning, they must also be willing to part with weekday prime hours such as 7 p.m. on a Thursday. This important policy requires all users to commit to taking good ice times as well as less desirable times. After all signed contracts have been returned, Ramsey County Parks & Recreation posts available ice time to the website for customers to view and book on a first come-first serve basis.
Page 18
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
The county allows ice swaps (weekday time for weekday time and weekend time for weekend time) until September 30. After that date customers are responsible for all the ice they have reserved. Tracking customer habits, history and loyalty is imperative to operational success. The county regularly solicits ice time to prevent remaining unrented time or orphan minutes. Orphan minutes can add up quickly and are a top consideration of the bulk ice booking process that occurs in the off season.
Ice scheduling matrix
Saturday
Aldrich
Harding
Highland N
Highland S
Oscar John
adult hockey
youth hockey
youth hockey tournament
high school hockey practice
figure skating
high school hockey games
learn to skate
adult women hockey
Phalen
Pleasant
Shoreveiw
VSC 1
VSC 2
West Side
WB
7a
9p m
Page 19
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Dynamic changes to the marketplace Community hockey The Ramsey County system of ice allocation has worked for more than thirty years and has been successful because of the repetitive nature of the customers and the consistency of knowing that Minnesota youth hockey is a strong community staple in the city of Saint Paul and Ramsey County. As neighborhoods started to change demographically and fewer kids started playing hockey, arenas did not promptly close. The Harding and Westside neighborhoods are a prime example. Both once had thriving youth hockey programs, but in 2001, the two both associations ceased operation, causing players in those neighborhoods to be directed to Edgcumbe and Johnson youth hockey. If a single-sheet arena such as Harding or Ken Yackel Westside does not have a youth hockey program to support it, it is not long before the future of the arena is called into question. At that time, Parks & Recreation gave a directive to research the market for these arenas and find other long-term contracts to backfill the arenas and keep revenue levels stable. Looking at the arena budget as a system or whole makes this big-picture customer backfill a key element that is sometimes challenging to comprehend. “The whole is more than the sum of its parts.” This phrase can be interpreted in many ways. Mathematically, the whole is equal to the sum of its parts, neither more nor less. However, psychologically the phrase means that the whole is something else or something more than the sum of its parts. This principle describes the synergy which exists between each of the arenas working together in a cooperative effort. Collectively, they are able to achieve an outcome superior to that of one arena working alone. For example, when Westside youth hockey folded, it would have meant an impending closure in most cases. High school hockey practices and adult hockey were also housed at Westside, however, so a thoughtful backfill plan was needed. While one part of the system closed, backfill allowed the system to remain whole.
Page 20
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Backfilling Arenas Pleasant Arena In 2003, a contract was negotiated between the county and the St. Paul Figure Skating Club for exclusive use of Pleasant Arena. At that time Pleasant was used by Edgcumbe youth hockey yet the arena still had significant gaps in its schedule. The St. Paul Figure Skating Club was given a ten-year contract that assured their organization ice time yearround at Pleasant Arena. This forced Edgcumbe to relocate their ice time to Westside.
Biff Adams Arena In 2009, after several years of declining use, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners was forced to look at options for the operation of Biff Adams. Biff Adams once had a rich history of Como neighborhood hockey along with activity from adult user groups. In 2010, the county board made a decision to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the Frogtown Curling Club to run Biff Adams. This decision did not affect any users because the Como youth program had already combined with Johnson youth hockey and Como High School hockey vacated Biff Adams in 2007 in favor of the Coliseum.
Harding Arena The next backfill issue arose when the Vadnais Sports Center opened in 2010. This greatly affected supply by adding two rinks to the existing regional market, which created more holes in the Harding and White Bear County arena schedules. The market was now overbuilt. That same year the county entered into a new long-term use agreement that was different from all previous contracts. Parks & Recreation reached out to Woodbury Area Hockey Club and negotiated a deal to use Harding arena for ten years. This contract was unique in that Woodbury Area Hockey Club was to contribute $25,000 per year to the Capital Asset Management Fund. This contract was approved by the county board and was considered a win/win because the county had just spent money to put on a new roof on Harding Arena.
Page 21
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
White Bear County Arena In 2011 it was clear the White Bear County Arena schedule was in rapid decline. Vadnais Sports Center had lured away all the White Bear Youth Hockey association hours from the county arena. By 2012 the arena was being utilized solely by Mahtomedi youth hockey. The leadership at Mahtomedi approached the county and asked for a contract similar to Woodbury’s but with a five-year term. The Mahtomedi contract was signed in 2013 and extends through the 2018 season. In the same fashion as Woodbury at Harding, Mahtomedi at White Bear County must contribute to the Capital Asset Management Fund with payments of $25,000 per year.
Aldrich Arena Aldrich has always been viewed as a regional spectator arena. At one point, all Saint Paul high school hockey games in Ramsey County were hosted at Aldrich but due to declining attendance, Saint Paul schools moved away from this practice. Over several years the West Side Youth Hockey Association, Harding Area Youth Hockey Association and other local associations such as St. Paul East Athletic Association, Mariucci inner-city hockey and VFW folded, leaving more schedule holes at Aldrich. This left Hill-Murray hockey as the primary tenant at Aldrich. As the other organizations ceased to exisit, the Aldrich schedule was virtually empty whenever Hill-Murray did not have a game or practice scheduled. The county partnered with an outside youth hockey tenant that agreed to purchase a minimum of 500 hours of ice at Aldrich and start a new program. This new user, Minnesota Made Northeast Choice Hockey, started a satellite program at Aldrich Arena. This customer has grown from 500 hundred hours in 2013-14, to 650 hours in 2014-15 to now 800 hours in 2015-16. The group is unique in that they are affiliated with AAU Hockey and draw participants from all over the Twin Cities not a specific neighborhood or district. Eighteen percent of the youth enrolled in Minnesota Made’s Northeast Choice program are Ramsey County residents. This group receives ice allocations after Hill-Murray.
Page 22
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
The closure of the Coliseum
The last game played at the Coliseum was the Class 2A, Section 5 Championship on February 28, 2014.
For many years, the Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds was used as a hockey venue in the winter. Coliseum officials decided to cease this practice in 2014 without much notice to the facility’s customer base or the general hockey community. Affected customers included Como High School boys hockey, Roseville youth hockey, Langford Park youth hockey, Hamline women’s hockey and the high school section playoff hockey games. Ramsey County arenas were able to absorb these customers in a relatively seamless manner. All customer groups had to make some allowances, and the Coliseum’s closure had the greatest impact on Roseville youth hockey. Roseville youth hockey accepted becoming more nomadic in the county arena system. At one point Roseville enjoyed consistent hours at Oscar Johnson because they were the only group in the building. Now, Oscar Johnson is used by Hamline, Como, Langford and Roseville. Aldrich also benefited from the Coliseum closing as some of the bigger Minnesota State High School League section playoff hockey games shifted over to Aldrich. With its large spectator capacity, Aldrich can comfortably host large crowds at these games.
Page 23
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Current long-term agreements Woodbury Area Hockey Club at Harding • 2010 – 2020 • $325,000 capital contributions • No user group in this area of town St. Paul Curling Club at Biff Adams • 2012 – 2016 • $82,800 lease agreement • Competition for users in this part of town Mahtomedi Youth Hockey at White Bear County • 2013 – 2018 • $125,000 capital contributions • White Bear youth hockey left for Vadnais Sports Center resulting in White Bear County empty for a year Hamline University at Oscar Johnson • 2013 – 2018 • 325 hours minimum includes prime ice and daytime ice • Hamline approached the county and there was availability and it was attractive for daytime use Hill-Murray at Aldrich • 2014 – 2034 • 410 hours minimum per year Cretin-Derham Hall at Highland • 2015 – 2035 • 220 hours minimum per year • Shared-use agreement relating to community room MN Made Northeast Choice Hockey at Aldrich • 2013 to current • County needed a youth anchor at Aldrich • 800+ winter hours across the system St. Paul Figure Skating Club at Pleasant (SPFSC) • 2014 – 2019 • Use the arena year round • Gratis ice times between 9 a.m. -12:45 p.m. in fall/winter • Ice obligation until 2 p.m. on Saturday and no ice on Sunday
Page 24
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
2015 – 2016 customers-at-a-glance Arena
High School
Hours Youth
Hours
Aldrich
Hill-Murray
292
MN Made
581
Charles M. SchulzHighland North
Cretin-Derham Hall
375
Saint Paul Capitals
426
Charles M. SchulzHighland South
Highland Park
53
Saint Paul Capitals
691
Gustafson-Phalen Arena
Johnson
155
Johnson/Como/ North St. Paul
437
Harding Arena
Hill-Murray girls practice
118
Woodbury
799
Ken Yackel-West Side Arena
Blades practice
127
Edgcumbe Roseville MN Made
494 E 69.5 R 97.5 MM
Oscar Johnson Arena
Hamline & Como
502
Roseville Langford
460 R 130 L
Pleasant Arena
St. Paul Figure Skating Club
1,200
Roseville
133
Shoreview Arena
minimal Roseville practice
114
Mounds View
822
Vadnais 1 UR Rink
White Bear
309.5
White Bear Lake
519
Vadnais 2
Mounds View
185.5
MWFSC White Bear Lake
335 187
White Bear Arena
White Bear Lake practices
98.5
Mahtomedi
804
The Ramsey County arena system relies on customers willing to accept both ideal and less than ideal ice times. The arenas in Ramsey County are very cause-and-effect oriented. If something changes at one arena, it causes an effect throughout the system. The goal is to allocate a finished ice schedule to customers that will be acceptable but there is no perfect solution to ice times. The chart above shows anchor customers’ ice commitments at their primary arena and illustrates how the hours vary. Some arenas (Highland) are used and sought out by adult hockey groups that are made up of tax-paying constituents; therefore, the youth must share some weekend hours with the adult groups. It is also important to note that Drake, Polar and White Bear Sports Center offer ice times to Ramsey County customers as well. For instance, St. Paul Capitals Youth Hockey purchase 95 hours at Drake and 42 hours at Minnehaha, in South Minneapolis. If a user group can get more desirable ice time at a competing facility, they will chose that ice over even what would be considered their anchor facility in Ramsey County.
Page 25
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Financial background of arenas The Arena Task Force was presented with 10 years of financial data, 2005–2014, at its May, 2015 meeting. They were given the actual revenue and expenses for Charles M. Schulz-Highland, Pleasant, Aldrich and Vadnais Sports Center (Appendix 2). All other arena expenses are lumped into a general category entitled Public Arenas. Public arenas include Biff Adams, Harding, Oscar Johnson, Gustafson-Phalen, Shoreview, White Bear and Ken Yackel-West Side. Revenue for these facilities is tracked by site, however, expenses are collected under the heading Public Arenas (Appendix 2). In 2009, the county began to experience declining revenue and increasing expenses within the Public Arenas. Aldrich revenue has not surpassed its operating expense for the past 10 years. Highland and Pleasant have continued to meet or exceed revenue projections. The county recently acquired Vadnais Sports Center, so there is not a historical track record of performance. However, early indications are positive for the facility to meet its annual budget and revenue goals, which is required as this site is classified as an enterprise fund. As a whole, arenas revenues are covering their operating expenses. Over a 10-year period from 2005–2014 the Public Arenas generated $11,508,211 in revenue. Expenses for the same period exceeded revenue for a net loss of $477,190 (Appendix 2). How has Ramsey County managed this loss? With Vadnais Sports Center as the exception, all arenas are part of the Parks & Recreation general fund. In order to balance the losses annually, the arenas are first combined with revenues and expenditures of the entire Parks & Recreation general fund budget. The Parks & Recreation budget is then closed to the countywide general fund balance. The losses are essentially balanced out by other Parks & Recreation operational savings and increased revenue. The county has traditionally kept pace with the local market for ice rental rates. Comparisons are done biannually using resources such as the Minnesota Ice Arena Managers Association (MIAMA) to gather rate information for over 126 facilities across the state, with a focus on the metro area. The county board approves rate changes bi-annually as part of the Park & Recreation budget.
Page 26
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Additional revenue streams Dry floor Dry floor is considered any event that occurs at a Ramsey County arena when the ice is out and the activity can take place on the concrete surface. County arenas have hosted craft shows, conventions, sporting events, trade shows, concerts, graduations, animal shows and more. The county will hold a dry floor event at any of the arenas with concrete floors, however, customers have the most comfortable experience at Aldrich Arena because seating and air conditioning are provided.
Advertising The department utilizes several other methods to generate revenue for the arena system. One of those revenue streams includes the various advertising opportunities that are available and sold to local and regional businesses. Advertising in the Ramsey County ice arena system is a cost-effective way to reach new audiences and attract new or repeat customers. A variety of advertising opportunities are available to meet advertiser needs, style and budget. Advertisers can spend as little as $400 for a dasher board advertisement for one year or as much as $12,000 for a complete arena advertising package (Appendix 1). The county offers an opportunity for youth associations to partner with the county in generating advertising dollars. When an association sells advertising in a Ramsey County arena they keep half of the revenue. This is an easy and profitable way for the associations to generate additional revenue to help keep their cost down. Certain opportunities are limited to select locations (Appendix 3). Advertisers are responsible for all graphic design and production costs. Ramsey County installs all advertisements at no additional charge. Since Ramsey County rinks are family-friendly facilities, advertisements may be denied based on content.
Page 27
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Concessions Concessions stands exist and are under contract at the four arenas that host high school games. These arenas are Gustafson-Phalen, Vadnais, Aldrich and Charles M. Schulz-Highland. The concession stands are generally only open when the schedule warrants and are completely staffed by the contractor. This is a revenue source for the county as well as the non-profit associations that operate them. The county receives 15 percent of the gross sales of all food and beverage (Appendix 4).
Concession stand at Gustafson-Phalen Arena.
Vending Vending machines located in each Ramsey County arena are owned and serviced by Midwest Vending. The county receives a monthly commission from the vendor (Appendix 4).
Open skating The arenas also schedule and allocate strategic ice times to accommodate open skating for the general public and senior/longblade groups. The open skating times have diminished due to very low attendance. The programs are offered at Vadnais Sports Center, Charles M. Schulz Highland and Aldrich.
Page 28
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Efforts to grow skating Mighty Kids In the mid-1990s there was an internal movement by Ramsey County Parks & Recreation to grow the base of skaters within the county. The program that was created was called Mighty Kids Inner-City Hockey. The program’s success relied heavily on dedicated volunteers for a number of years. From 1998 - 2010 the Mighty Kids Inner-City Hockey Steering Committee and staff from the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, and Saint Paul Community Education met with representatives from Saint Paul area youth hockey associations and the Minnesota Hockey Diversity Committee to develop a framework for a more comprehensive hockey program to address the barriers that deter inner-city youth from participating in hockey. The Mighty Kids Steering Committee had great success in getting diverse youth involved in hockey by providing ice time, equipment and instructors. The primary objective of the program was hockey/skating skill development, mentoring, building relationships within the community and developing self-esteem. The program accommodated more than 400 kids per year. Fundraising was successful, however, the program ended up dissolving due to lack of participation. The arena division researched and tracked kids that had participated and found the skill gap was too substantial for them to make the jump to association hockey, the next opportunity for the youth. The program introduced many kids to hockey and the sport of skating but ultimately proved that introducing non-traditional hockey families to a hockey culture challenging for a variety of reasons including time, money and transportation (Appendix 5).
Ramsey County/Saint Paul hockey summit In 2013, the Arena Division initiated a Ramsey County/Saint Paul Hockey Summit. The meeting takes place annually in September at Aldrich Arena. The meeting serves two purposes. The list of invited stakeholders include youth hockey association leaders, arena managers, high school athletic directors and coaches and area hockey retailers and publications. First and foremost the arena business is a people business and the networking is very important amongst the stakeholders. Secondly, this meeting allows participants to share successful ideas on what they are doing to grow the game in their communities. The summit meeting has grown from 40 participants to 60 participants.
Page 29
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Herb Brooks Foundation at Ramsey County arenas In 2013, the Arena Division realized that the Herb Brooks Foundation was carrying the grassroots torch that the Mighty Kids program ignited. The arena division staff approached the Herb Brooks Foundation in an effort to expand programs to the eastside. The county agreed to subsidize ice times for two new, after-school learn-to-play-hockey programs at Phalen and Harding Arenas. The ice times are paid for by funds that still exist from the Mighty Kids program. These new programs, held at Phalen and Harding arenas, are called the Herb Brooks Rink Rats began their innaugural season in 2016.
Little Wild learn to play program In 2014, the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Hockey started a Little Wild Learn to Play program across the state. Charles M. Schulz-Highland Arena was chosen as a program location by the Minnesota Wild as a result of the relationship that was created from the summit at Aldrich. The Little Wild program is open to new hockey players ages five to eight only. It outfits the players from head-to-toe with custom fit equipment from Total Hockey for just $100. This program went from eight locations to 12 in its second year, and will expand to 16 in 2016, including a program at Vadnais Sports Center. Minnesota Hockey reports Minnesota’s 8U numbers are going to be at a record high this season. The Wild and Minnesota Hockey realized there are barriers to the game. Getting a child hooked on hockey with low cost equipment and four hours of skating lessons has been wildly successful. Other statewide successful programs include Gear Up Minnesota, Try Hockey for Free Days and the Minnesota Hockey Rec League.
Page 30
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Future challenges and opportunities School start time changes Changes to school start times have been proposed at Ramsey County schools. These changes would impact the arena ice schedule. If school starts one hour later each day this will push times for high school hockey practices back to 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. If this occurs, youth hockey will begin at 6:40 p.m., 7:50 p.m., and 9 p.m. Youth hockey associations will average three hours per night verses the four hours they have had historically. This could be detrimental for the game because with ewer kids playing because there is less opportunity.
Wild practice facility The Minnesota Wild are well beyond the discovery phase of opening a new practice facility in Ramsey County. This facility will increase arena supply in Ramsey County. The proposed location is in downtown Saint Paul at the former Macy’s building. It is anticipated that Hamline will relocate their ice times from Oscar Johnson to this new facility, which could open as soon as September 2017.
Minnesota Made Northeast Choice Hockey The leadership at Minnesota Made would like to enter into a five-year commitment of 800 hours within Ramsey County arenas. Minnesota Made leaders want to secure their endeavors to grow their hockey programs in Ramsey County. This commitment will look very similar to the Mahtomedi and Woodbury contracts, however, Hill- Murray will still be allocated their ice time needs at Aldrich before MN Made. It’s important to note that MN Made offices are physically located in Edina, however, 18 percent of the kids in the Northeast Choice program are from Ramsey County.
Polar/Tartan Arenas North St. Paul youth hockey is now merged with Johnson/Como neighborhood association. Without a youth hockey association feeding the high school program, this two-sheet facility does not seem sustainable for the district to maintain. Polar arena is very important to monitor for future decisions about the county system. The demand for ice time in this northeast section of Ramsey County is down based on information from USA Hockey. The official USA Hockey registrar numbers indicate that in 2005 there were over 650 kids playing hockey between the three communities made up of Johnson/Como/North St. Paul. Currently youth hockey totals 388 kids between all three communities. Johnson/ Como/North St. Paul purchased 588 total hours at Polar Arena and 437 total hours from
Page 31
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Ramsey County at Phalen Arena.
White Bear Sports Center Mahtomedi High School boys’ and girls’ use this arena for practice and some games while Twin City Steele is a regular daytime user. The learn-to-sake program offered at this location is also popular. The city of White Bear Lake has been contemplating the future of this arena.
Drake Ice Arena Drake is located on Randolph Avenue near Highland Area and is on the St. Paul Academy/Summit School grounds. Built in 1967 for St. Paul Academy boys hockey, the school is currently assessing what the future holds forthe arena in light of the changes to refrigeration laws.
St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) SPRWS may remove the reservoir adjacent to Highland Arena. Ramsey County would be interested in utilizing this property for parking, should it become available. The task force has looked at the possibility of adding additional sheets of ice, solving the parking problem at the arena. Removal of the reservoir could happen sometime during 2017.
Page 32
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Task Force Research Formation of a task force The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners directed the County Manager, in January of 2015, to develop an Arena Task Force (ATF) to study the current state of the indoor ice arena system and make recommendations for the long-term future of the arenas. The task force was asked to examine the history of the arena system, current operations, user groups and potential user groups; analyze issues and possible alternative uses; and make future recommendations for the system. The task force was directed to seek public input at various points during the process. A technical advisory team selected by the Director of Parks & Recreation worked side-by-side with the task force, providing data and information from subject matter experts to support the work of the task force. The task force was provided with a charter (Appendix 6) to help guide them, provide purpose and emphasize that the recommendations meet the county’s vision, mission and goals.
The purpose of the Arena Task Force Develop and recommend a long term recapitalization, repurpose/replacement strategy for the provision of arenas owned by Ramsey County and operated by the Parks & Recreation. The county board was very clear in its direction to the task force that the recommendation must be in line with the newly adopted county vision, mission and goals. The ATF has used this information as their foundation throughout this process. Vision:
A vibrant community where all are valued and thrive.
Mission:
A county of excellence working with you to enhance our quality of life.
Goals:
Strengthen individual, family and community health, safety and well-being through effective safety-net services, innovative programming, prevention and early intervention, and environmental stewardship.
Cultivate economic prosperity and invest in neighborhoods with concen trated financial poverty through proactive leadership and inclusive initiatives that engage all communities in decisions about our future.
Enhance access to opportunity and mobility for all residents and businesses through connections to education, employment and economic development throughout our region.
Model fiscal accountability, transparency and strategic investments through professional operations and financial management.
Page 33
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Membership The task force was comprised of members who are independent of the daily management and operations of the county. The ATF consisted of eight members:
Seven representing one person from each county commissioner district selected by commissioners.
One Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Commission member selected by the commission. Membership terms shall be up to one year. The task force will dissolve after their recommendations are presented to the county board.
Arena Task Force April 23, 2015 at Aldrich Arena Back row (Left to Right): Steve Younghans, Jon Oyanagi, Donald Mullin, Mike Searles, Jason Sprage, Commissioner Huffman Front Row (left to right): Steve Reeves, Candy Petersen, Debbie Montgomery, Dan Galles, Mike McGraw
District
Appointing Commissioner
First Name
Last Name
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Parks & Recreation Commission
Huffman McGuire Rettman Carter Ortega McDonough Reinhardt
Jason Michael Mike Debbie Dan Steve (Moose) Donald Candy
Sprague McGraw Searles Montgomery Galles Younghans Mullin Petersen
Page 34
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Declining use The task force was presented with the current state of the county arena system and issues the system is facing. This information included data from historical hockey statistics to the international environmental agreement banning the refrigerant that is currently used in all but one of the county’s 11 facilities. The task force attended presentations around all of these topics to help them formulate a thoughtful recommendation. A collection of data spreadsheet was established to help organize the volume of data presented to the task force (Appendix 7). The task force tackled some of the basic statistics around ice usage first: • Ramsey County has the most colleges and universities of any other county in the state of Minnesota, while being the smallest county in terms of land mass. Currently within the county there are eight men’s and women’s collegiate hockey teams. • In 1975-76 there were 16 high school hockey teams with the city of Saint Paul. By 1980 that number dropped to 11. • Today there are four teams representing Johnson, Highland Park and Como high schools as well as the Blades team, comprised of female players from all over the city of Saint Paul. • Suburban Ramsey County currently has 10 high school teams. Suburban Ramsey County had seven teams during 1985-86 school year. • Youth associations have seen their numbers fluctuate through the years. According to USA Hockey, the number of participants in Minnesota grew 13.6 percent from 1998 to 2009. In Ramsey County, especially the immediate Saint Paul area, youth programs have merged over time to stay afloat. Minnesota Hockey continues to grow at the mite level (under eight years old) from a statewide perspective, but the numbers in Ramsey County continue to shrink.
Page 35
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Minnesota Hockey Youth Registrations* 2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
percent change 258 0.8% 466 -5.1% 65, no bantams -22.6% 478 -6.1% 388 91.1% (3 communities)
Edgcumbe St Paul Capitals Langford Park Roseville Johnson/Como/ North St. Paul (Full merger 2015-16) White Bear Lake Mounds View (combined Irondale, full merger 2015-16) Mahtomedi
243 445 109 576
312 423 94 544
256 491 84 509 203
899 433
824 438
809 540
850 551
5.1% 2.0%
449
511
517
527
1.9%
Woodbury Tartan (does not use Ramsey County arenas)
765 453
736 450
737 408
691 376
-6.2% -7.8%
*Courtesy - Rich Rakness, USA Hockey Associate Registrar
Other factors are also raised when examining the argument that participation numbers for hockey are declining. • Transportation – the majority of participants need to drive to an arena. • Shift in location – the shift from outdoor ice to indoor ice has raised the expense of skating as well as the access from neighborhoods. Cities have reduced the number of outdoor rinks maintained due to the lack of use. • Other choices – competition with other sports and activities that are appealing to youth. • Cost – high school sports have shifted from the schools (taxpayer) funding the cost, to the players and their families funding participation. Paying for ice time and equipment makes ice sports expensive.
Page 36
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Demographic changes Changing demographics within the county have made a huge impact on arena usage, which raises a policy question: Should Ramsey County provide arenas for as many users as possible, similar to a golf course or regional park, or should the arena system be sized to primarily serve Ramsey County residents? Should the arenas in some locations be repurposed to better serve the local population? From its very beginning, Ramsey County’s strength has been in the diversity of its residents. Some of Ramsey County’s original inhabitants were French-Canadian immigrants, many of whom were fur traders. During territorial days, many English and Irish immigrants hailing from the northeastern United States moved into the area, soon to be followed by thousands of Germans, Swedes and Norwegians. By 1900, Italian and Mexican immigrants followed the Swedes into Swede Hollow and the West Side. The African-American population grew slowly in the 19th century to about 10 percent of the county’s population, where it remains today. Since 1975, Ramsey County’s Latino, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali and Karen populations have grown from nearly zero to among the highest concentrations of these nationalities in the United States. There is also a significant Native American population. Today, Ramsey County’s residents can trace their heritage from almost every country in the world, making it a very diverse and vibrant place to live. (Courtesy of the Ramsey County Historical Society.)
The following chart, from Minnesota Compass, 2015, shows the breakdown of residents by race in the neighborhoods surrounding the seven Saint Paul arenas.
Arena
Caucasian
Harding Phalen Westside Oscar Johnson Highland Pleasant Biff Addams
44.5 35.7 45.2 71.8
Black/African American 21.7 12.6 13.9 16.3
75.5 75.5 36.4
10.9 10.9 20.6
Native American 1.2 1.5
1.1
Asian 17.5 31.0 7.8 2.1
Hispanic/ Latino 11.3 14.1 28.8 5.8
Two Plus 3.4 5.1 4.0 3.4
Foreign Born 21.9 26.2 18.3 9.2
4.3 4.3 27.6
6.7 6.7 10.5
2.4 2.4 3.4
16.0 16.0 25.1
Page 37
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
The neighborhoods near Charles M. Schulz-Highland, Pleasant and Oscar Johnson Arenas are comprised of a predominately Caucasian population. Gustafson-Phalen, Biff Adams, Harding and Ken Yackel West Side arenas are located in much more diverse areas. Gustafson-Phalen has a higher Asian population, Ken Yackel-Westside a higher Hispanic/Latino population and Harding and Biff Adams both have a larger Black/African American community population along with Asian and Hispanic/Latino. Cultural differences have changed interest in leisure-time pursuits. The interest in hockey remains strong in areas of Saint Paul where the population is predominantly Caucasian. The research that has been conducted regarding people of color and their leisure choices informs the analysis of the arena system. Fan, French, and Das (2013) found significantly low levels of park use, especially in colder weather, by black residents, foreign-born residents, low–income residents and working, single-parent families. Asian and American Indian respondents also had lower park use than Caucasians in the study. The history and data around the number of high school hockey teams in Saint Paul certainly supports the theory that changing demographics accompany changing leisure interests and levels of participation. Socioeconomic factors also contribute when activities require a higher expenditure on the part of participants.
Land owners The Arena Task Force was presented with property owner information as it pertained to each of the 11 Ramsey County arenas (Appendix 8). There are a total of four facilities on Ramsey County-owned land. They include Vadnais Sports Center, White Bear, Shoreview and Aldrich Arena. Oscar Johnson sits on land owned by the city of Saint Paul, and if it is no longer an ice arena the county would be responsible for demolishing the facility and returning property to its original state. The Charles M. Schulz Highland Arena sits on land owned by St. Paul Regional Water Services and if plans go through to abandon an existing reservoir, this could be a location for adding additional sheets of ice. Harding and Gustafson-Phalen Arenas sit on school board land that was set aside for the arenas as part of then Governor Wendell Anderson’s indoor ice arena initiative. Pleasant Arena land was given to the county from the state but was part of the Interstate 35E right-of-way. What to do with an arena’s land if it was no longer used as an arena proved to be a challenging topic for the task force that would require extensive research should the use change. It became clear that the Charles M. Schulz-Highland Arena, along with space at White Bear and Aldrich, were the only locations where the county could reasonably add an additional sheet of ice.
Page 38
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Industry requirements One of the more public issues facing ice arenas across the county is the ban on ozone-depleting refrigerants. In 1987 the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement, established requirements that began the worldwide phase-out of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These requirements were later modified, leading to the phase-out in 1996 of CFC production in all developed nations. In 1992 the Montreal Protocol was amended to establish a schedule for the phase out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). HCFCs are less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs, but still contain ozone-destroying chlorine. The Montreal Protocol, as amended, is carried out in the United States through Title VI of the Clean Air Act, which is implemented by the EPA. HCFC-22 (also known as R-22) has been the refrigerant of choice for ice arena systems for more than four decades. Releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas and the manufacture of R-22 results in a byproduct (HFC-23) that contributes significantly to global warming.
Phase Out Schedule for HCFCs Including R-22 The Montreal Protocol requires the United States to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 99.5 percent below the U.S. baseline by January 1, 2020. Refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled/reclaimed will be allowed beyond 2020 to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps. With 13 sheets of ice at 11 facilities, the cost to convert Ramsey County’s arenas to a new system of cooling could range from $5.2 million to $10.4 million, if not more. The county can choose to stockpile an amount equivalent to the total needed to operate the system, but not more. As long as there are no leaks, the R-22 will service the system as long as the mechanical system is maintained. Obtaining R-22 will grow more difficult and expensive over time. This is certainly not a long-term solution but does allow for more time to spread out replacement to an alternative refrigerant. Ramsey County’s arena leadership in the late 1990s, when the future requirements ere announced, was very attuned to industry trends and issues. The decision to convert to indirect systems to cool the arenas was both strategic and prudent. With floor issues mounting and compressors in need of upgrades, they took a proactive approach to what the future of arena cooling systems would be. The county went from using 5,000 pounds of R-22 to cool one sheet to using that same amount to cool all 11. The changes were made to easily accept a drop-in coolant alternative.
Page 39
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Aging infrastructure The aging infrastructure is another key component of the arena system that needs to be addressed. In the attached condition reports, (Appendix 9) data shows how efficient the county has been at maintaining these 40-to-50-year-old facilities. Great stewardship of these county facilities with limited resources has arguably kept them all operational long beyond Governor Anderson’s original expectations. However, the lack of warm, flashy lobbies; little access to technology for streaming and public Wi-Fi; insufficient dry floor training rooms; small, plain locker rooms; and an old tired façade have kept the arenas from keeping up with higher-end neighboring facilities.
Other capital needs Along with deteriorating infrastructure comes the challenge of funding equipment replacement. Ramsey County Parks & Recreation has been picking away slowly at replacing old, propane-fueled Zambonis with electric ones but the process is slow and expensive. There are a number of benefits in moving to an electric based equipment fleet that include time and energy resource savings, less mechanic time working on repairing propane systems, reduction of employee injuries due to 60-pound propane tanks, elimination of air-quality testing, and improved indoor air quality for everyone. The county will continue to be mindful and plan for new and efficient technologies within its operations. The county’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) includes a schedule for projects over $50,000. The County Capital Asset Management Program (CCAMP) lists the arena projects under $50,000. The 2016-2021 CIP and CCAMP projects list are attached (Appendix 9). Parks & Recreation recently completed a comprehensive accessibility study. The task force has reviewed the preliminary recommendations related to ice arenas (Appendix 10). Future improvements to the arenas will need to include facility upgrades to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements at all Ramsey County Parks & Recreation facilities. Coordination of those efforts will be managed by the Parks & Recreation Planning Director.
Page 40
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Arena coolant options To better understand the complex world of ice refrigeration systems and how the county facilities stack up, the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) brought in several experts to explain the issues, available options and their opinions on the county’s system. Stephen Borer, Midwest regional sales manager from Zero Zone, gave a presentation about different types of refrigerants. Bob Lind and Bret Swanson, from Gartner Refrigeration, backed-up the presentation and provided a refrigeration replacement/retrofit guide. Kyle Gillespie with Rink Teck also provided insight for the task force. Ramsey County has an indirect cooling system in all of its arenas. The R-22 refrigerant circuit indirectly cools the ice by cooling a secondary coolant, glycol, which is pumped under the ice, reducing the amount of R-22 needed. The arenas are well-prepared for a retro fit in coolant type no matter which option is chosen. The task force considered the following options for coolant replacement:
Human-made There is significant research being conducted into developing a synthetic drop-in R-22 replacement. Currently there is no product emerging to the fore front. Developments in the field are worth monitoring, however, there is no guarantee these next generation coolants will be long-term solutions.
Natural options CO2 requires less horsepower and is a safe, ornamentally-friendly alternative. However there are patents pending that may make indirect flooring use of this product troublesome and expensive.
Page 41
TASK FORCE RESEARCH
Ammonia Ammonia is a natural cooling option that is considered environmentally-friendly and is currently the top choice of operators to replace R-22 at metro arenas. The county operates indirect systems and in these systems the amount of ammonia used is limited and contained to the mechanical room, making it an efficient option. Because of its pungent aroma, even the smallest leaks are quickly detected. This means total replacement of an entire ammonia charge is extremely rare. System installation is tightly regulated by state inspectors and safety measures for ammonia use in arenas have been vastly improved. A sensor may detect a refrigerant leak, starting an exhaust fan in the engine room while automatically dialing out an alarm to the rink operator. Operators can also monitor the arena remotely with a connected modem and laptop. The most glaring expense in an arena operation is running the cooling mechanisms for one sheet of ice. Several experts, including representatives from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MNASC), believe that running two sheets on one cooling system is a cost-effective solution. The average cost to run one sheet of ice was estimated at $400 per hour. Current industry rental rates are close to $200 per hour. MNASC estimates the average hourly cost to run two sheets of ice is the same as one sheet at $400 per hour. From a scheduling/programming perspective, two sheets of ice do allow for additional opportunity to host events including hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions. Some might view the the numbers shared by the MNASC as rhetorical, but it suggests that the county would be wise if considering more multi-sheet facilities in future consolidation.
Page 42
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT In order to bring about a thoughtful recommendation for the county’s arena system, the task force encouraged current, as well as residents living around the arenas and non-rink users, to provide their feedback. This feedback was essential to the task force. Three trategies were used by the task force to collect information around three key issues: How arenas should be funded, what are the positives and negatives of the current system (or specific facility) and should the county create a new priority-of-use policy for reservations? The first strategy used was a brief online survey for both current users and non-users of the arenas. The second strategy was, a series of seven public meetings were held throughout the county (one in each county district) intended to reach users and non-users of arenas in that district or county-wide. Notifications were mailed to all residents within 500 feet of an arena, meeting flyers were posted in several community spaces (Appendix 10), and notices were posted via the county’s social networking resources, as well as shared with local print media. The meetings were conducted by Parks & Recreation employees and focused on a set of questions approved by the task force to help guide them with their recommendations. The same questions were asked at each meeting. Appendix 11 lists the themes expressed throughout the seven meetings. The third strategy was targeted at non-users of the facilities and included door-knocking and community conversations by an intern working on behalf of the Parks & Recreation.
“Please continue to look at ways you can keep the indoor ice arenas open and viable as an incredibly valuable county amenity” - Meghan Keller and Matt Rolfsmeyer The surveys garnered the most participation, with 174 responses to the Current Arena Users survey. The community meetings were attended by 60 people. The General Public survey and door-knocking responses were informative but lacked the volume the task force had hoped to receive. In all of these efforts the majority of the feedback came from current users of the ice facilities. A small amount of dry floor and non-traditional sport customers were also represented. The formats, surveys and public meetings, were well-received and productive for those who participated. Several themes were derived from the community engagement outreach. The first focused on the positive and negative aspects of the current arenas. They indicated that the county arenas are well-maintained, clean and welcoming but are very cold and lacked amenities. With the exception of Vadnais Sports Center, the facilities are dated and locker rooms are small.
Page 43
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Positives: • • • • • • • • • •
Benefits other local business such as restaurants and bars. Proximity – close by to many community members. Very well-maintained and clean. It’s a home away from home for many users. Many arenas are in safe neighborhoods, the users feel safe going there. It provides a home arena for youth and high school hockey teams. Frogtown Curling Club has been able to grow its member base. Many arenas are used as “band aid” rinks to serve the recreational users. Great staff. Best ice.
“We as a family love going to watch our little hockey player on the ice. West Side and Highland are great rinks and I wouldn’t want to see either of these rinks close” -The Rubbeleke Family Negatives: • • • • • • • • • • • •
No concessions. Small locker rooms. Some facilities need to be updated with Wi-Fi and streaming technology. County arenas are cold. Facilities are dated. Parking lot thefts. No skate sharping. Poor acoustics at VSC. Rest rooms not easily found. The Blades geographic assignment of arenas could be better. Figure skaters don’t want hard, cold ice. Hockey players don’t like Pleasant’s softer, warmer conditions.
“Please consider the smaller associations when making decisions that may affect our viability and the ability for our kids to play a sport that they love.” Lorna Horan –Kimsal
Page 44
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The second major theme heard throughout the process related to how the county should finance the facilities. In the community meetings, questions focused on whether user fees should cover both operating and capital costs for each facility. This question was asked in the online survey as well. There is overwhelming support for the county to continue to use tax dollars to support the operating and capital needs of these facilities. The vast majority of respondents spoke of the arenas as a public service facility, no different than a gym, playground, trail or golf course. The third major theme centered on priority of use. There was strong support for prioritizing Ramsey County-based organizations first. It was often heard at the community meetings that the county should schedule county-based groups first, and then make remaining ice available to whomever will buy it. There was significant support for non-county users to pay more (or fair share for capital fund) in order to be included in scheduling priority (Appendix 12).
Page 45
RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS After months of collecting data, gathering public feedback and thoughtfully deliberating the issues facing Ramsey County’s arenas, the Arena Task Force reached thirteen recommendations for policy, procedure and strategy that will effectively assist the county in their service delivery and decision making. Further work includes drafting policy procedural language where necessary. The task force did not undertake writing those drafts. The following thirteen topics form the recommendations of the Arena Task Force:
• Ice assigning/priority of use • Conditions for consolidation • Contracted use opportunities • Ice rental rates • Refrigerant replacement recommendation • Replacement schedule • Other capital improvements • Funding • Criteria for ending facilities purpose as an ice arena • Criteria for adding an arena • Repurposing process • Plan for non-county-owned arenas • Work force impact To further frame the recommendations, the task force defines the following terms:
County group – Any formally-organized user group with an official mailing address within Ramsey County and/or whose membership is made up of at least 50 percent, or more, Ramsey County residents.
Non-county group – Any user with an address outside of Ramsey County and/or membership of 49 percent or less Ramsey County residents.
Resident – Any person residing at a Ramsey County mailing address. Non-resident – Any person residing at a non-Ramsey County address.
Youth – Age 17 and under.
Private/for-profit – Any group or persons operating without a formal designation or official status as a not-for-profit.
Not-for-profit – A designated 501 group (there might be an official statement that better covers non-profits, schools, government, churches, etc.) operating under the state and federal regulations for these groups.
Page 46
RECOMMENDATIONS
Assign ice via a priority system There is currently an informal loyalty to Ramsey County user groups when scheduling ice times. This recommendation formalizes the priority system. This becomes increasingly important as the number of county groups decreases. Groups will need to continue to accept non-prime hours along with the prime time hours. Senior high schools with a Ramsey County address will have priority for after-school hours and games. Youth associations for figure skating, hockey and other ice sports with a Ramsey County address will be booked as geographically as possible. When multiple associations desire the same rink(s), scheduling priority will be based upon higher percentage of Ramsey County members. Consideration will be given as to whether a group has a primary rink. Groups with a Ramsey County-operated rink as their primary rink will have priority scheduling in that location. Other groups, such as Roseville Youth Hockey Association, which uses Roseville Arena as their primary rink, will receive secondary priority at Ramsey County operated rinks. All groups may be required to book non-prime hours and hours at rinks other than their primary rink in order to fill arena schedules to keep the system viable and staffed. Remaining ice time will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conditions for consolidation Consider consolidating users of an arena when use levels by Ramsey County groups can be accommodated at other county-operated arenas and/or an arena’s use level by Ramsey County groups drops below 50 percent. Regular ice time will be considered Monday through Friday from 3–10 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m.–10 p.m. The 50 percent threshold will begin a public process that will take time to conduct and allow for existing users to be relocated or find alternative ice elsewhere.
Page 47
RECOMMENDATIONS
Contracted use opportunities If an arena can generate at least 50 percent of daily operating costs through agreements with groups based outside of Ramsey County, a multi-year contract(s) up to five years will be sought, which will include an annual capital improvement fee designed to compensate for tax-supported capital funds for that arena. The capital improvement fee will be based upon the percentage of regular hours booked by the group (with a minimum of 800 hours required) multiplied by the annual capital improvement costs as determined over the useful life of the building. In addition, outside groups continue to pay hourly rates based upon their status and follow the board-approved fee schedule. The formula will use 1200 hours as rentable ice time and an annual average for dry floor use for the requested facility. This will be used as the base total of hours to calculate a utilization rate. • T otal Hours available (1200 plus annual dry floor average) divided by the 800 hours minimum or the regular hours (whichever is greater) the group purchases = total percentage utilization for the calendar year. • Utilization percentage of annual capital improvement investment for requested arena equals capital investment annual contribution. Example: ABC Hockey rents an average of 815 hours annually from the county at XYZ Arena. The group is requesting a five-year agreement to grant them county priority in ice booking. The calculated annual capital improvement amount for XYZ Arena is $53,678. The base total of hours for the facility is 1200 hours plus an additional 400 hours for a total of 1600 hours. Eight-hundred fifteen hours equals a 50 percent utilization rate of XYZ Arena. Using the formula recommended by the task force the ABC Hockey Association would pay hourly rates based on the approved fee schedule, plus an additional $26,839 annually.
Ice rental rates The Arena Task Force recommends higher hourly fees be charged to groups that are not based in Ramsey County. A fee 10 percent higher is recommended. This would not apply to hours outside of regular and/or “fire” ice times. The task force also reccommends freezing rates at 2015 levels for Ramsey County groups to assist with promoting more affordable ice time. Increases at market rates should continue for outside groups. The freezing of rates for Ramsey County groups will require increases in tax levy to make up the difference. Vadnais Sports Center’s fee structure is a result of its status as an enterprise fund, which should come under review.
Page 48
RECOMMENDATIONS
Refrigerant replacement Replace the R-22 systems with Ammonia systems. The estimated cost will be in the range of $400,000 to $800,000 per sheet of ice (in 2015 dollars). It is recommended that the county continue to monitor the industry for developing technology around human-made, drop-in coolants.
Replacement schedule Replace R-22 systems in phases over time, beginning no earlier than 2018. The following is a proposed priority order to begin no earlier than 2018. Phasing in the replacement will help spread out capital expenses, ensure that the systems will not need replacing all at once, and allow for time to repurpose/close an arena if the need exists. The prioritization ensures that the rinks projected to serve the community far into the future are replaced first and those most likely to be repurposed/closed are last. A major repair may hasten the need to repurpose/close under this scenario.
Tier I – Highland, New arena(s) at Highland constructed, Shoreview, White Bear Tier II – Aldrich, Pleasant, Oscar Johnson, Gustafson-Phalen Tier III – Harding, Ken Yackel-West Side, Biff Adams Tier IV – Vadnais Sports Center The urban rinks are scheduled to be replaced last and are identified as the first to be looked at for repurposing. This is due mainly to changing demographics and decreasing utilization by nearby residents. Highland has the possibility of using the St. Paul Regional Water Services land to build an additional rink or two along with much needed parking. There is a possible synergy with stakeholders of Drake Arena to partner on that project.
Other capital improvements The task force recommends improving the building exterior and interiors to improve aesthetics, reduce maintenance, and reduce energy consumption, provide amenities desired by users, and improve functionality/multi-purpose capabilities. It also recommends setting the improvement schedule to coincide with refrigerant replacement. Cost would be estimated at $800,000 per rink. The Parks & Recreation ice arena CIP and CCAMP project list (Appendix 9) will be modified to fit with the recommendation schedule and priorities as outlined by the Arena Task Force and accounting for any major repair needs that may arise outside of this recommendation.
Page 49
RECOMMENDATIONS
Funding building improvements and refrigeration changes Cultivate state funding through programs such as the Mighty Ducks initiative that are created to assist arena operators with converting their R-22 systems. Look for opportunities to partner and cost-share the capital expenses (St. Paul Academy for new rink at Highland and/or Mahtomedi and Washington County for improvements at White Bear County Arena, for example). The task force recommends investigating the feasibility of utilizing energy savings. Programs to fund capital expenses would then be paid back via reductions in energy costs. Bond in phases of one to two arenas every two years. General obligation bonds create debt that is paid for through a property tax levy increase.
Criteria for closing/repurposing an arena The task force recommends that consideration be made to close or repurpose an arena in the following situations: • If a new sheet of ice is constructed at Aldrich and/or Highland, a decision can be made to close/repurpose an existing single-sheet location if the system is at or below capacity and there is not a large (70 percent capacity) demand for more ice. • Use at any one site drops below 50 percent Ramsey County user groups. The percentage of use by non-Ramsey County groups is at 51 percent or more at six or more rinks. • If the decision to subsidize operation costs is reversed and fees need to be raised to cover operating expenses resulting in a drop of hours rented to 60 percent or less at any one rink.
Page 50
RECOMMENDATIONS
Criteria for adding a sheet of ice • If all arenas are at 90 percent capacity for regular hours and the demand is there to fill an additional sheet to a minimum of 70 percent capacity. • If moving to a multi-rink system, first consider land/expansion options located in close proximity to users. • Construct a second sheet at Aldrich Arena and a third and/or fourth sheet at Highland Arena.
Repurposing process If the decision is made to no longer use a facility as an ice arena, follow the process as outlined below: • Community input sessions to discover needs and interests. Utilize partners, stakeholders, residents in the area of service, neighborhood councils, etc. • Study the various masterplans from Ramsey County municipalities. For example, the city of Maplewood’s masterplan study and survey revealed that residents in Maplewood overwhelmingly (when surveyed) indicated a community destination park was highly desired. • Generate ideas, cost estimates to build, renovate and operate. • Narrow to two or three options. • Resume public input opportunities reacting to the two or three final concepts. • Parks & Recreation commission makes their recommendation to the county board. • County board makes a decision on repurpose. • Possible options raised during community input sessions included year-round lacrosse, indoor soccer, multi-purpose courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, etc.), cold storage warehouse, hydroponics, land swap for other park purposes, and a community center-type of building. Harding and Phalen-Gustafson are leased from Saint Paul School District. Oscar Johnson must be used for an ice arena or it must be demolished and restored to original condition for the city of Saint Paul. The operating costs would need to be determined based upon the intended uses. Depending on the use, the level of subsidy to operate the facility may typically be much higher than as an ice arena where users are expected to pay fees closer to actual expenses.
Page 51
RECOMMENDATIONS
Non-county-owned arenas The county should monitor plans for changes to the provision of arenas within Ramsey County and surrounding area: • North St. Paul, White Bear Sports Center and Drake all need major investment or to consider changing use patterns. • The Minnesota Wild may add a rink in downtown Saint Paul. • Explore options in taking on leadership and operational management of other facilities. • Other metropolitan rinks may choose to live out the life of their R-22 arenas and close the rink operation at the end of its useful life. This may impact how many non-Ramsey County groups would be in need of ice time. • Moving to a multi-sheet concept (Aldrich [2], Highland [3 or 4], Vadnais Sports Center [2]) allows for condensing the number of sheets if use drops and/or allows for maintaining single sheets if demand rises from outside groups and/or a revival occurs within the urban area.
Workforce impact • There is a growing need for winter maintenance staff to plow a growing number of facilities including parking and trails. There are currently parking lots and trail sections contracted out for plowing service in the winter that could be resumed by department staff, if needed. • The length of groomed cross-country ski trails may expand at Rice Creek North Regional Trail in at least two areas. The trail section along the Rice Creek North Regional Trail and the trail along the east side of Rice Creek Commons will add over two miles to the system. • Should funding be provided, the proposed Winter Recreation Area will need additional maintenance staff to operate. • A repurposed arena that has a Ramsey County recreational purpose may need Ramsey County maintenance staff to operate. Depending on the repurpose, this may increase the need due to year-round use.
Page 52
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION Prognostication, predicting the future, is a blend of tools or data used to analyze the patterns and trends of things that have a cause and effect to what we are prognosticating. The question of what will the future bring to the arena industry, is what we all want to know. While the Ramsey County Arena Task Force has been unable to predict the future, some of what has been uncovered in this report has proven to be true. The demographics of the county are shifting. It is predicted that by 2040, the majority of resident is Ramsey County will be non-white. In areas where this is already the case, evidence supports that different needs and interests are emerging. This has impacted not just the area of parks and recreation, and in this case ice arena usage, but also housing, economic development, jobs, transportation, social services, schools, planning and government. The task force research process demonstrated the clear need to gather more accurate information about the needs and interests of diverging communities to adequately meeting their park and recreation needs. This report has prepared the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners to look back at the system’s past, meet the demands of the present, and plan for a changing future that becomes more relevant with every decision and action.
Page 53
APPENDIX
Appendix Appendix 1........................................................ Advertising sales sheet Appendix 2....................................................................Financial history Appendix 3..................................................Policies and procedures for advertising revenue sharing Appendix 4...........................................Sample concession agreements Appendix 5.................................................................Mighty Kids grant Appendix 6....................................................... Arena task force charter Appendix 7........................................................... Arena task force data Appendix 8..................................................................Landowner maps Appenix 9................................................................... Condition reports Appendix 10............................................. Accessibility summary report (ADA requirements) Appendix 11.......................................................... Pubic meeting notes Appendix 12.......................................Public meeting feedback themes & online survey results
Page 54
RAMSEY COUNTY ARENA SYSTEM
Sources City of Maplewood, MN - https://mn-maplewood2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/ View/11348 Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout Fan, Y., French, S., Das, K. (2013). Park use behaviors and a pilot park-use promotion program in Minneapolis: implications for addressing health inequities. CURA Reporter. Spring 2013. Rackness, Rich - USA Hockey http://www.usahockey.com/ Ramsey County Historical Society - http://www.rchs.com/ Vintage Minnesota Hockey - http://www.vintagemnhockey.com/ Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propane
Page 55
