When junior Willy Basill envisions the Rec Center renovations, he looks forward to the possibility of outdoor skating events.

“We are hoping to have an outdoor game or two out there, so that should be a really fun and different experience to have,” Basill said.

According to Rec Center manager Jason Eisold, construction continues without any significant concern

“(There are) no major issues to report at this time,” Eisold said. “Overall, the project has stayed on track with the initial plan.”

Sophomore Lily Johnson is sad there will no longer be a skatepark, but she is certain the changes will create opportunities.

“I think that it is sad that they had to get rid of the skatepark, but it is also necessary to have more rink space because there are just so many people that play hockey,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the new outdoor ice rinks and updated facilities may motivate hockey players to join Park’s team.

“It will give people an opportunity to play more and hopefully we will have a better season,” Johnson said. “This may inspire more people to join the hockey team so we can have a girls’ team back.”   

Eisold said the St. Louis Park community is interested in the renovations.

“People are very curious to what is happening at the Rec Center,” Eisold said. “Sharing the information about the facility, knowing it is so much more than just an ice rink, really has piqued the interest of a wide range of people within the community.”

Junior Ethan Rickert said he disapproves of the renovations because of the limited number of skateparks in the area.

“I was on the planning commission and I approved of the new style of the outside, but I didn’t really approve of the fact that they were getting rid of the skatepark and switching it to another ice rink,” Rickert said. “I don’t know of any other place, that skaters can go to skateboard.

According to Eisold, as the project approaches completion, people in the community are starting to think about the many ways in which the facility could be used.

“There is a never-ending list of possibilities of what the facility could be used for, and yes that includes students at SLP.  From concerts to farmers’ markets to graduation parties to lacrosse and so much more there is something for everyone,” Eisold said. “This is a one-of-a-kind venue that will be a tremendous asset to the community.”

According to Eisold, the construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2017.