Conceptual Shade Structure for the Ice Rink

Announcement

Los Alamos County Council voted unanimously on June 10, 2025 at the regular session to support the development of a mono-sloped ice rink cover in conjunction with the scheduled floor replacement. View the meeting and PowerPoint Presentation in the "Completed Public Meetings" accordion below.

  • 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). The project will go to Council for approval in May.
  • Contractor nameWilson & Co.  Engineers and Architects
  • Completion DateMay 20, 2025
Image of a conceptual cover structure, the

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 & Surveys

Four public meetings and two surveys were scheduled to engage the public between December 2024 and June 10, 2025 as is indicated in the approved Public Information and Involvement Plan(PDF, 1MB).  There are no more public meetings scheduled as the Council voted unanimously on June 10, 2025 to support the development of a mono-sloped ice rink cover in conjunction with the scheduled floor replacement.

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)  

The second of the the surveys concluded on April 24, 2025; it collected community input on the shade structure design options. Thank you for sharing your views. View the responses below:

Survey2 Responses(PDF, 517KB)  

Completed Public Meetings

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

PUBLIC MEETING (4 of 4) 2025 June 10* @ 6 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Council Chambers: As part of the County Council Regular Session, the Council voted unanimously to support the development of a mono-sloped ice rink cover in conjunction with the scheduled ice rink floor replacement. View the meeting below and view the PowerPoint presentation(PDF, 1MB) . 

 

 

PUBLIC MEETING (3 OF 4) 2025 May 08 @ 5:30 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Council Chambers: As part of the Park and Recreation Board meeting, the project manager presented the responses from the second survey on the conceptual shade structure options. The Park & Recreation Board members voted to recommend the Mono-sloped Geometry Cover.  (Watch the meeting recording below.)

 

 

 

2025 Apr. 10* @ 5:30 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Rm 110 (2 of 4): As part of the Parks and Recreation Board meeting, the Public Works project manager, shared the results from the first survey and discussed shade structures design options. *(Note this meeting was moved from March 13th to April 10th). Watch the meeting recording below.

 

 

2025 Jan. 09 @ 5:30 p.m., 1000 Central Ave., Rm 110 (1 of 4): 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.  

 

 

 

Updated: June 11, 2025

 

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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