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Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that attendance is typically <br />for open skating and the rinks are rarely reserved for hockey practices. <br />Councilmember Woestehoff asked about the rink rental. <br />Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that people can reserve a <br />rink but it is at no cost. He said if there was a rink reservation fee they would likely not get anyone <br />who was interested. <br />Councilmember Specht asked if the numbers recorded count duplicates if the same person comes <br />to ice skate several days. <br />Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood said that was correct. <br />Mayor Kuzma stated he does not see how the City could not offer this as it is a staple to the <br />community. <br />Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood explained that he is not suggesting <br />any change in the program at this time, other than a shortage of rink attendants. He said this will <br />also allow them to gauge the importance from the community. He said in the future they may look <br />at closing the facility at the elementary school, understanding that Central Park is likely enough. <br />Councilmember Riley stated that this is really important to the community: however, this needs to <br />be reexamined. <br />Councilmember Heineman asked if there are any thoughts into shutting down the ice rinks and <br />moving them to a more premium location. <br />Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that they have tried creating <br />ice in the downtown area several times and these areas were not well received by the public. He <br />added that the trend seems to be leaning towards indoor skating. <br />Councilmember Heineman shared that Maple Grove has a nice rink that resembles a walking path <br />and suggested looking at what other cities are doing. <br />Interim Parks and Assistant Public Works Director Riverblood stated that there is a quarter mile <br />skating path at Central Park. <br />Councilmember Specht stated that the consolidation of the skating sites is a good idea as the next <br />step. <br />Recreation Specialist Martinez -Flynn continued the presentation by discussing Happy Days and <br />giving a review of the 2022 Happy Days. She stated the total Staff time surrounding Happy Days <br />totaled 947 hours and the estimated cost was $56,631. <br />Mayor Kuzma asked how this compared to the previous years. <br />City Council Work Session / November 22, 2022 <br />Page7of10 <br />