Wednesday, July 10 was an exciting day in Elk River as local leaders broke ground on a new Multipurpose Facility, which will be constructed on the site of the existing Elk River Arena and adjacent land. The project kick-off highlighted the collaborative efforts of the city, ISD 728, local athletic associations, the local business community and senior citizens, all of whom provided guidance and support as Elk River City Council developed the Active Elk River project scope. A connection to past leadership was showcased as a number of the original Elk River Arena developers also turned new dirt in a remake of their original efforts in 1971 when The Bark Rink was constructed (see attached photo).
The Multipurpose Facility is the first of several projects that make up Active Elk River, a comprehensive plan to reinvest in the city’s recreational facilities, major parks, and most significant outdoor/natural resources, made possible by the voters of Elk River. Demolition of The Barn Rink will begin in the next few days, with an estimated completion of the new facility expected by fall of 2020.
“This facility will be a place that truly has something to offer everyone – whether you’re 5 or 95 years old,” said Mayor John Dietz. The facility will serve year-round ice, field turf, and dry floor events. There will be a 30,000-square-foot field house, catering café for community events, and dedicated senior citizen space for expanded services and programming. Improvements to Lion John Weicht Park, just south of the new Multipurpose Facility, are also underway and include two lighted ball fields, modern restrooms, a 100-person pavilion, concessions and expanded parking.
To learn more about these two projects, and others that make up the Active Elk River plan, please visit ActiveElkRiver.com. Here you’ll find details on each project, including construction updates, photos, and more.