The South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena will shut down for several weeks starting next month while crews carry out a series of energy efficiency improvements.
The ice arena will be closed from August 4 through September 15 for upgrades aimed at improving reliability and reducing future energy costs.
The work is part of a broader citywide project focused on energy efficiency.
Planned improvements include a full replacement of the central chiller plant, installation of a new roof with added insulation, and the refurbishment and relocation of a microturbine to improve heating and energy use. The current chiller plant has reached the end of its expected service life, and city officials say replacing the equipment now will help avoid unexpected disruptions in the future.
“We know how important the Ice Arena is to our community, and this temporary closure gives us the opportunity to make vital upgrades that will ensure it continues to operate efficiently for years to come,” said John Stark, Parks and Recreation Director. “By planning ahead, we’re preventing potential equipment failures, avoiding costly repairs, and creating a more sustainable ice arena for the future.”
The upgrades are being funded in part through a financing structure that uses projected energy savings from solar installations to help cover the cost of improvements at the facility.
The City of South Lake Tahoe opened the arena in May 2002. Since then, the ice has never been fully melted and rebuilt.
During this closure, the ice will be removed for the first time. City staff noted there is a possibility that cracks could be discovered in the concrete beneath the rink.
If repairs are needed, the closure could extend beyond the planned reopening date of September 16. Updates will be provided if the schedule changes.
