$200,000 Renovation Set to Start This Weekend at Rochester Rec Center

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A major renovation project gets underway this weekend at the Rochester Recreation Center. 

See Also: DMC Approves Millions in Support of Rochester Projects 

The project is happening ahead of Rochester hosting part of the World Juniors Hockey Tournament later this year. 

Two teams playing in the tournament will practice and hold exhibition games in Rochester during the lead-up to the major international event. 

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Major Renovation of North Rink at Rochester Rec Center to Get Underway This Weekend

A spokesperson for the City of Rochester says the improvements at the Rec Center, located at 21 Elton Hills Dr. Northwest, are focused on the north ice rink. 

The renovation calls for the installation of new boards, glass and netting, adding dedicated areas for player benches, penalty boxes and a scorekeeping table. Crews will also install a new sound system in the rink. 

A city spokesperson says the cost of the rink improvements and new sound system will be about $200,000. 

The majority of the funding is courtesy of a Mayo Clinic Community Grant and a matching contribution from the Rochester Youth Hockey Association. The Rochester Curling Club, Rochester Figure Skating Club and the Rochester Hockey Foundation are also chipping in. 

The remaining funds are being covered by the City of Rochester’s Capital Improvement Plan, according to a news release issued by the City of Rochester. 

Officials say the south rink will remain fully operational during the renovation and that ice availability at the south rink will continue as scheduled. 

Public skating and open hockey sessions could be limited and officials are encouraging skaters to call ahead or reserve ice time. The renovation is expected to be completed by the end of July, the news release says.