While a certain Hockey mom from Alaska is cramming for her big debate tonight, we're encouraged by a local hockey story:
WAUKESHA COUNTY CONSIDERS USING ICE TO HEAT ICE ARENAS
Study points to alternative powered ice rinks
Study points to alternative powered ice rinks
Waukesha, WIS. – Exploring more sustainable energy management opportunities at Eble and Naga-Waukee Ice Arenas is the top recommendation identified in Waukesha County’s Ice Arena Study.
County Executive Dan Vrakas says, “I would like to thank study group participants for their willingness to provide the County with their recommendations on how to better ice arena operations. I am pleased that the number one study outcome points to more sustainable energy usage. After replacing existing metal halide lights with linear florescent lights at each facility last year, the County anticipates saving taxpayers $10,000 per calendar with a payback in less than 3.8 years.
With support from the study group and my administration, I look forward to analyzing and proposing other ice rink efficiencies that conserve energy and save real, ongoing dollars to allow for continued affordable fee based recreational opportunities in the future.”As part of the County’s Sustainability Initiative and in response to study results, the Department of Parks and Land Use is researching tested and sustainable ice arena energy management options, and has determined that the most promising renewable energy systems are geothermal and solar thermal heat exchange at this type of facility.
Geothermal systems use near constant natural soil temperature of approximately 54 degrees and heat pumps to transfer heat from the ground to the building in winter and from the building to the ground in summer. In addition, waste energy from the ice making process could be used to heat spectator seating areas, locker rooms and other parts of each complex. A comparable sustainability project at an ice arena in Rochester, Minnesota is projected to realize annual energy savings of 40% and a near elimination of natural gas use.
The goal of the Ice Arena Study was to identify operational efficiencies, maximize profitability and examine different ownership opportunities. Study group members, which consisted of ice arena management experts, youth hockey advocates, local business leaders and County budget staff, determined that the County should maintain its ownership of the two rinks and concluded that staff should focus on energy reduction efforts and maximizing profitability to achieve greater efficiencies.
Study group member Margie Krauski says, “We researched and analyzed options including sale, leasing and continued County ownership of the ice arenas. Given the ice arenas ability to cover their annual operating costs, concern over the loss of trust from the donors who contributed over $1.5 million to construct the arenas, and the viability of lease arrangements, continued County ownership was the best business decision.”
In addition to ownership options and energy reduction improvements, the study group evaluated if additional value could be added to the ice arenas by better maximizing profitability. “Our recommendations include expanding learn-to-skate programming beyond the current partnerships to include area YMCA’s; evaluating opportunities for dry floor events; continuing to work with area school districts to promote open skating or special events; and targeting organizations and facilities that serve senior citizens, disabled individuals, home school families, day camps, and day care operators to fill midday, limited availability ice times,” announces study group member Stan Riffle.
County staff is currently working with its existing municipal, school district and non-profit partners to provide additional and/or extended programming at its ice arenas. They are also exploring potential non-profit agency summer camps.
The two Waukesha County-owned ice arenas are operated by the Department of Parks and Land Use. Eble Ice Arena is located in Brookfield and Naga-Waukee Ice Arena is located in Delafield. Both facilities offer a variety of skating programs, which include public skate, senior skate, youth hockey, adult hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate sessions, and public and private party facility and equipment rentals.
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