Rochester Could Get Dedicated Indoor Curling Venue
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A local group’s plans to build an indoor curling facility in Rochester have moved a step closer to the project becoming a reality.
Gamehaven Regional Park Selected as Preferred Site
The Rochester Park Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to support a resolution that calls for Park Department staff to work with the Curling Club of Rochester on an agreement to locate a privately funded curling facility inside Gamehaven Regional Park. An earlier plan to locate the facility at Soldiers Field Park was rejected by the Park Board.
Plans Call for Six Sheets of Curling Ice
The concept plan presented to the Park Board calls for a 31,000-square-foot building with six sheets of curling ice and space for spectators and social gatherings. The Curling Club proposal also includes a kitchen for food preparation, a bar, locker rooms, and other support space. The plan also calls for a common entry connected to a future chalet addition being considered by the Park Board for Gamehaven Regional Park.
SEE ALSO: Development of Indoor Facility Paused at Rochester Sports Complex
The materials presented to the Park Board also state that the facility could be used year-round for curling leagues, curling instruction, youth and adaptive programming, school partnerships, tournaments, public events, rentals, and flexible community gathering space.
Curling Club Proposes $6.5 Million Project
The estimated price tag for building the curling facility is about $6.5 million. The Curling Club has proposed covering the cost through a community and member fundraising campaign, corporate sponsorships, grant funding, foundation donations, and in-kind contributions. The proposal calls for the fundraising effort to begin this year, with a goal of constructing and opening the facility in 2028.
City Asked to Provide Land and Infrastructure
The City of Rochester is being asked to provide the land needed for the project, along with parking and utility connections for the facility.
Park Board staff will next work on developing a formal agreement with the Curling Club that lays out specific goals and timelines for the group's fundraising efforts before any construction could begin at the site. The agreement will also detail the cost of the city's contributions for parking and utility access before the plan is brought back before the Park Board for further consideration.
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Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
