Bangor’s Ice Arena!
The future of Bangor’s upcoming ice arena and recreation center is taking shape. Bangor is planning to create a new parks and recreation facility, combining an ice arena and a recreation center on a spacious 41-acre site near Husson University, as shared by Tracy Willette, the city’s parks and recreation director.
This impressive facility will encompass a roughly 92,000-square-foot building that will house two ice sheets. One sheet will be dedicated to youth hockey and high school events, while the other will serve as a practice area. Additionally, the facility will include a gymnasium, childcare space, and areas for various community activities.
In addition to the main building, there will be a separate 30,000-square-foot structure to accommodate offices for both city and school recreation maintenance staff, conveniently located next to the new facility.
Bangor has evolved into a sought-after destination for a wide range of recreational, athletic, and cultural activities. Introducing this new facility will further enhance the amenities available for residents and visitors alike, according to Willette.
This decision marks the latest step in Bangor’s ongoing process of replacing outdated and undersized facilities that no longer meet the city’s and community’s needs. It aligns with the city’s recent efforts in enhancing entertainment and athletic facilities, such as the waterfront, Cross Insurance Center, and Cameron Stadium.
The final construction and operating costs for the facility, along with a potential building schedule, are expected to be disclosed when BerryDunn presents the final feasibility study to the Bangor City Council next month.
Willette expressed optimism, stating, “Based on the information we’ve gathered from surveys and stakeholder meetings, there is strong enthusiasm to propel this project forward. We hope this enthusiasm will guide our potential timeline.”
Sawyer Arena, situated in Hayford Park on 13th Street, functions as a seasonal ice hockey rink from October to May. Originally an outdoor ice rink in the late 1980s or early 1990s, it later received walls and a roof, with the most recent renovation involving the addition of locker rooms around 2002.
The Bangor Recreation Center is currently located in the former Bangor Armory on Main Street, constructed in the 1930s. It hosts childcare services, recreational programs, and city parks maintenance staff.
Both of these facilities were identified in the department’s 2021 master plan as requiring significant upgrades or complete replacement.
The city, in partnership with BerryDunn, conducted a comprehensive feasibility study, incorporating feedback from 571 community members. Surveys completed by over 800 residents provided insights into their preferences for the new facility.
BerryDunn also identified six city-owned properties suitable for hosting the new facility. The Griffin Road site, owned by the Bangor School Department, emerged as the “most preferred site” due to its ample size, central location, and proximity to Interstate 95 and Husson University, according to Willette.
Other potential locations, including Bass Park, Cleveland Street, and Grandview Avenue, were deemed less suitable due to factors like remoteness, size limitations, or traffic issues.
BerryDunn also explored the possibility of rebuilding the new facilities at the current locations of Sawyer Arena and the recreation center but found them inadequate to accommodate a combined facility.
This article was reimagined from: Bangor lays out its vision for a new ice arena and recreation center (bangordailynews.com)
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