Aldrich and Highland Arenas Community Engagement
Parks & Recreation is working to advance the 21st Century Parks vision — A dynamic, community-centered system that provides opportunities for our ever-changing community to engage with inclusive and welcoming parks and recreation sites and programming — by engaging with community members regarding their experiences and recommendations for facility and programming improvements to Aldrich and Charles M. Schulz - Highland Arenas.
Both arenas are anchor ice facilities within the county that provide recreational opportunities and offer space for a large number of events and programming. A facility plan is being created to address critical infrastructure needs, improve user experience and expand access to better serve all residents.
Background
Both Aldrich and Highland Arenas need infrastructure investments to replace outdated refrigeration systems, address exterior building maintenance issues, improve energy efficiency, install modern wayfinding signage and add amenities that will better serve users and promote increased access for community members.
Aldrich Arena
Aldrich Arena in Maplewood was built in 1962 and quickly developed into a premier hockey facility. It has hosted numerous high-profile games, including high school sectionals, the inaugural girls state hockey tournament and the local Roller Hockey International team.
Today, Aldrich Arena hosts over 100 youth and high school games during the ice season. Large events like graduations, concerts, quinceañera celebrations and craft shows take place from March to October. The Saint Paul Farmer’s Market also operates in the adjacent parking lot throughout the summer.
An elevator was added in 2015 to provide access to the arena level. In 2019, the bathrooms on the mezzanine were remodeled.
Charles M. Schulz - Highland Arena
Highland Arena in Saint Paul was built in 1973. The arena underwent major renovations in 1998, including adding a second sheet of ice. In 2000, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted to honor Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz, who grew up in the neighborhood, by naming the arena after him.
The North Rink features year-round ice and is busy with youth to high school hockey programs, learn-to-skate programs and open skating. Groups like the St. Paul Capitals Youth Hockey, Highland High School and Cretin-Derham Hall High School play home games in the North Arena. The South Rink has ice from October through February.
In 2021, parking lot improvements were made to improve accessibility and drainage at the site.
Goals
The Aldrich Arena and Charles M. Schulz - Highland Arena Community Engagement Project aims to:
- Engage with current users and neighborhood community members to learn about desired amenities and upgrades for the arenas.
- Plan for recreational spaces that meet current accessibility standards and are financially and environmentally sustainable.
- Listen to and pursue ideas about potential community partnerships and creative programming.
- Cultivate and sustain relationships with residents.
- Advance Ramsey County 21st Century Parks Vision.
Parks & Recreation is committed to the values and ethics of IAP2.
Timeline
June and July 2022
Parks and Recreation will be seeking input through:
- An online survey was available from June 28 to July 26.
- Focus groups with current users June - August.
- Community listening sessions in July.
- Results from the online survey and listening sessions will be shared this fall.
Community engagement results
Common feedback themes
- Excitement and support for building and design updates to both arenas.
- Interest in additional dry floor activities, community events and youth sports beyond ice hockey.
- Updated or the addition of team/athlete areas of both arenas.