To the City Council of Waconia, MN,

We, the concerned citizens and passionate ice sports enthusiasts of Waconia, strongly urge you to consider our request to support the construction of a second ice rink at the Waconia Ice Arena. This expansion will not only provide enhanced on-ice recreation opportunities but also foster economic development within our community.

1. Growing Demand:
The current single ice rink at the Waconia Ice Arena is struggling to meet the increasing demand for ice time. With limited availability, local hockey teams, figure skaters, and recreational skaters are facing scheduling conflicts that hinder their ability to fully participate in their chosen activities. As a result, these valued organizations are forced to pay for ice time in nearby communities, driving families and economic activity outside of our community. By adding a second ice rink, we can alleviate this issue and ensure ample opportunities for everyone to enjoy these sports right here at home.


2. Economic Impact:
A second ice rink would not only benefit residents but also boost our local economy significantly:

a) Increased Tourism: Hosting tournaments and competitions becomes feasible with an additional facility. This attracts visitors from neighboring towns and states who spend money on accommodations, dining options, shopping centers - benefiting local businesses directly.

b) Job Creation: The expansion project itself will require skilled laborers during construction phases while ongoing operations will create employment opportunities such as maintenance staff or coaches/trainers.

c) Revenue Generation: Additional events held at the expanded arena will generate revenue through the sale of ice time, tickets, advertising, and concessions - contributing further towards sustaining recreational facilities in our community.

3. Additional Community Recreation:
An additional sheet of ice can be used for other purposes throughout the year. Other communities in our area use their second sheet during off-peak times of year as a platform for multi-sport courts and recreation, a concert facility, or as a rental facility for private events. A second sheet of ice can serve as a catalyst for further investment into community recreation and development.

4. Successful Examples:
Cities like Edina, Bloomington, and Minnetonka have witnessed increased participation rates, economic growth, and improved quality of life for their residents by investing on on-ice recreation. We can learn from these examples and replicate their achievements right here in Waconia.

In conclusion, we believe that building a second ice rink at the Waconia Ice Arena is a vital step towards meeting the growing demand for ice sports in our community. This expansion will not only enhance recreation opportunities but also stimulate economic development through increased tourism, job creation, and revenue generation.

We kindly request your support in making this vision a reality. Together, let's invest in our community's future by expanding the Waconia Ice Arena!

Sincerely,

The Waconia Hockey Community