West Side Arena
Parks & Recreation is working to advance the 21st Century Parks vision by engaging with community members regarding future uses of the West Side Arena.
Ken Yackel - West Side Arena opened its doors in 1973 and was named to honor a storied NHL, University of Minnesota, and Olympic hockey player from the neighborhood, Ken Yackel. From October through early March, the arena is heavily used by youth hockey and an in-line skating group. For the remainder of the year, the building is closed, occasionally hosting group events.
Phase 1
Objectives
- Provide year-round options for recreational opportunities that are inclusive of racially and ethnically diverse West Side community members’ needs, meet current accessibility standards and are financially and environmentally sustainable.
- Build mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships between the county and West Side communities to support authentic and meaningful engagement, work toward community consensus for the future of this space and help ensure the county is contributing positively to the West Side neighborhood's future.
Parks completed phase 1 community engagement in May 2022. Phase 1 focused on engaging with neighborhood residents and existing users through surveys and virtual meetings.
Four different recreational options on this site were explored:
- Current facility upgraded for multiple year-round recreational uses and events; maintain the ice rink for winter use.
- Current facility upgraded for multiple year-round recreational uses and events; remove ice rink.
- Construct a new building designed to support multiple, year-round recreational uses.
- No building; park-like space designed for several year-round recreational uses and events.
Outcomes
Key themes:
- Interest in access to ice as a form of recreation.
- Want additional opportunities for recreational uses during the months when ice is not in operation expanding the number of months the facility is used.
- Desire for the facility to be more welcoming and accessible.
- Use parking lot and green space surrounding the building for programming such as summer farmer’s market, picnic tables for everyone to enjoy and uses derived from community partnerships.
View final results (PDF)
The full compilation of all feedback is available upon request by emailing Parks & Recreation.
Phase 2
Objectives
As a result of phase 1 community engagement, Parks & Recreations will:
- Develop program plans for arena site that will include the parking lot, grounds and indoor facility.
- Connect with the local community.
- Build relationships and develop partnerships with West Side organizations.
- Pursue resources for investments into West Side Arena.
Community engagement
September 2022.
Parks is seeking community input through focus groups and additional modalities. Results of these efforts will be available this fall.
Resumen ejecutivo (pdf)
Outcomes
Key findings from community engagement
- The majority of participants from the community engagement project proposed ideas for community-centered activities and partnerships.
- Partnership ideas included local non-profits, schools, artists, churches, restaurants, sports organizations, and other community organizations.
- Community members expressed hope that the arena can be a gathering space for people to come together recreationally and for community service and other community-building activities.
- Community partnerships could lead to new uses, programming, or events in the space.
- Read the full report (PDF)
- Lea el informe completo (PDF)
Parks & Recreation is committed to the values and ethics of IAP2.