The Municipality of Clarington has announced “a much-needed upgrade” to the Newcastle Memorial Arena beginning this April.
This $4 million renovation project will begin on April 1, 2023. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Newcastle Memorial Arena will be closed while the work is underway.
The arena, at 103 Caroline Street West, was built in 1976. It has a seasonal single-sheet ice rink and out-of-season community floor space. The arena is owned by the municipality and operated by the volunteer Newcastle Memorial Arena Management Board. Clarington is undertaking a complete renovation of the community rink this year, said a municipal statement.
“This is the first major renovation for this facility. It’s basically going to be a brand-new ice surface and perimeter boards,” said Ken Ferguson, Clarington’s Manager of Facility Services.
The $4-million renovation project includes:
- Replacing the rink floor and refrigerated ice pad.
- A new refrigeration system, compressor and an updated refrigeration room to meet all TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) guidelines.
- All new rink boards, penalty boxes and benches.
- New six-foot safety glass surrounding the spectator area.
- A fully accessible washroom in the lobby.
- An upgraded front entrance.
- A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the building.
- Installation of two new change rooms, with new accessible changing stalls, fresh rubber flooring, new showers, and sinks. This will bring the total number of change rooms in the facility to six, which will help with hallway congestion and be more convenient for players, skaters, and coaches.
“We’re upgrading the rink, but we’re not changing who we are. We’re still maintaining that small community rink, keeping the local ambiance and character of the facility while bringing it up to date. It’s very exciting,” said Dave Bouma, Chair of the Newcastle Memorial Arena Management Board.
The renovation will help the rink serve a growing community. The modern refrigeration system and rink upgrades will add 10 to 15 years or more to the operational lifespan of the Newcastle arena, the statement said.