Ice Rink Facility, Pool & Park Improvements

DiDonato provided professional Architecture and Engineering services for improvements to the William O. Smith Recreation Center located at War Vet’s Park east of the downtown business district. The ice rink floor and refrigeration plant at the facility were constructed in 1979. The floor was replaced 20 years ago because of refrigerant leakage, but the original subsoil heat piping system was retained. That system had failed resulting in heaving of the rink floor at the end of each operating season, and it was feared the piping for refrigeration would break and leak into the ground. The system was a direct refrigeration system constructed decades ago; however, their use was eliminated when the EPA determined that cold R-22 refrigerant is a major contributor to global warming and ozone depletion.

Work included:

Ice Rink and Systems – The new rink floor is a NHL regulation concrete surface floor installed in the same location. A new sub-soil heating and drainage system was installed, and an indirect-style refrigeration plant was designed for the building environment and weather conditions. A dehumidification system was added.

Ancillary Areas to Rink – Reconfiguration of the existing large locker room/multi-purpose room and new referee room and shower to serve this facility and sporting events at nearby Bradner Stadium. New ice skate rental and party room were designed as well as a new press box. New rubber flooring and doors were installed throughout the entire facility.

Park Improvements – Swimming pool rehabilitation included deep-end infill.

Project Profile

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