There is a lot of activity at Bronco Arena lately, but it isn't area skaters making their mark on the sheet of ice.
In fact, there isn't even ice.
Instead, the interior of the arena is made up of piles of dirt, heavy machinery, and no rink boards, which are making way for necessary upgrades and renovations.
“It's exciting this project is underway,” said Falls Superintendent Kevin Grover. “A lot of progress is already being made (at the arena)...It had to be done to keep the building in good shape.”
Nearly 50 years ago, the community dedicated Bronco Arena on Dec. 22, 1968. Since then, the original piping has rusted and reached the end of its lifespan, requiring replacement.
When looking for options on how to fund the about $1 million needed to replace the piping and cement slab, school officials turned to the community for its help. In November, district voters passed a $1.75 million bond to be used specifically for the arena.
“We are grateful of the community supporting (this project),” Grover said.
After the piping and slab are replaced, any additional funds will be used for upgrades to the arena, including air exchange for the facility, bathroom and locker-room upgrades, ceiling refinishing, and what any remaining fund balance supports.
Phase No. 1
The first phase of the project, led by general contractor Commercial Refrigeration, began earlier this month and is expected to be completed around the first part of September.
And while construction won't interrupt winter sports use of the arena, it will suspend the summer figure skating and hockey programs for a year.
“We will absolutely bring it back next year, though,” said Kevin Gordon, organizer of the summer hockey program. “We're coming up on our 50th camp. It's unfortunate we have to take a year off, but this is a big renovation that was needed and summer is the only time it could be done.”
Other upgrades after the first part of the project is completed could take up to a year before they are done, Grover said.
“But what is happening now is the main, critical piece,” he said.
New look
After the new piping system is installed and new flooring is in place, the arena will take on a slightly different look, the superintendent said. The players boxes will no longer be on opposite sides of the ice, and instead will follow suit with most other arenas and be next to each other on the west side of the building.
“Coaching staff has been involved in making this decision,” Grover said. “We're going to make it work the best we can, and in doing that, there will be some slight modifications to the bleachers.”
There will also be new rink boards installed in the building, with the old features being donated to the city of Ranier to be used at its outdoor rink in the winter.
"We're happy they can continue to be used by kids in our community," Grover said. "It was a good opportunity for everyone involved."
Upgrades and renovations should extend the life of the arena to be enjoyed by generations for years to come, and Grover said any future improvements needed are being considered with current construction.
"With the new refrigeration, we are fore planning for down the road," he said. "All refrigerants have an end life...We planned and the piping is to the end of the rink on the far end, so when the day comes to go to a new system, we won't have to tear anything up...We're trying to plan ahead as much as we can...It's exciting that things are already progressing."
