Conceptual Shade Structure for the Ice Rink

Announcement

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our first survey. The responses are available below.

Join us for a second public meeting scheduled for March 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos, NM, as part of the Parks & Recreation Board meeting.

  • Project typeConceptual phase: Determine specifications needed for a conceptual shade structure design that can be incorporated into the future Ice Rink floor replacement project.
  • Project valueTBD
  • Project scheduleExplore specifications for a potential shade structure (type, size, and budget) for the April 2025 budget hearings.
  • Contractor nameWilson & Co.  Engineers and Architects
  • Completion DateApril 24, 2025
photograph of the Los Alamos Ice Rink, surrounded by snow covered ponderosa pine trees. trees

Project Scope

Identify the needs and specifications for potential shade structure options that can be integrated into a future project to replace the aging refrigerated floor of the Los Alamos Ice Rink.

  • Research and evaluate shade structure alternatives.
  • Identify three shade structure concepts that meet the County’s needs.
  • Provide budgetary estimates for design, installation, and maintenance.
  • Engage the public in three public meetings to gather community input and inform decision-making.
  • Offer recommendations for design development and construction bidding.

Project Purpose

The County has received feedback from residents highlighting the challenges posed by sun and heat at the outdoor ice rink, which limit its usability. During the winter, sunlight can melt sections of the ice, creating unsafe skating conditions. In the summer, the rink becomes excessively hot, reducing its potential for roller skating and other activities. As the County prepares to replace the aging refrigerated floor, this presents an ideal opportunity to reassess the feasibility of adding a shade structure. Such a structure would mitigate these challenges while seamlessly integrating with the new ice rink floor.

The replacement of the refrigerated floor and the potential addition of a shade structure are part of the County's broader efforts to improve the rink’s ice-making systems. The County is also under contract to replace the refrigeration (chiller) plant, which is expected to arrive by the end of spring 2025 and begin producing ice for the 2025–2026 skating season.

Council Goals

The potential shade structure options meet the following adopted County Council goals:  Quality of Life, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Vitality, Quality Governance and Operational Excellence. 

Upcoming Public Meetings & Engagements

Three public meetings and two surveys are scheduled to engage the public as is indicated in the approved Public Information and Involvement Plan(PDF, 1MB). The first meeting occurred on Jan. 9, and the first survey closed on Jan. 29. The next meeting is: 

 

2nd PUBLIC MEETING 2025 Mar. 13 @ 5:30 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Rm 110 (Second Public Meeting): As part of the Parks and Recreation Board meeting, the Public Works project manager, will share the survey results and discuss shade structures design options.

2nd SURVEY 2025 Mar. 13 @ 5:30 p.m. (Second Survey): A second online survey opens to collect community input on the shade structure design options.  Survey will close on Mar. 26, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (link to survey will be added here when it opens). 

3rd PUBLIC MEETING 2025 Apr. 08 @ 6 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Council Chambers (Third Public Meeting): As part of the County Council Regular Session, the project manager will report on the project, present the conceptual design and proposed budget to be considered by the County Council.

Completed Survey Responses

The first of two surveys closed (January 29 at 11:59 p.m.); it collected community input on various aspects of a conceptual shade structure for the Ice Rink to help inform the decision-making process. View the responses. 

Survey1 Responses(PDF, 839KB)  

Completed Public Meetings

Did you miss a public meeting?  You can watch the video recording and download a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.  

2025 Jan. 09 @ 5:30 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Rm 110 (First Public Meeting): The Public Works project manager, along with the Community Services Dept. presented to the Parks and Recreation Board the project scope and purpose, the public out reach process, and a summary of previous efforts.  View the PowerPoint presentation(PDF, 4MB).  Watch the recording of the meeting below.  

Contact details

Miguel Jimenez, Senior Project Manager with Capital Projects and Facilities Division
505-662-8150
lacpw@lacnm.us

Location

4475 West Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544  View Map

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