From left, John Layman and Tom Wilber of NCA Architects and Planners, County Engineer Eric Martinez and Project Manager Wayne Kohlrust discuss the ice rink improvement project during a public meeting Wednesday night at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

Members of the public weigh in on the ice rink improvement project Wednesday evening at Fuller Lodge. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

The Los Alamos County Ice Rink will receive new locker rooms and renovated restrooms; initial plans for the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) were unveiled to the public to collect input during a meeting Wednesday at Fuller Lodge.

John Layman and Tom Wilber of NCA Architects and Planners discussed the project along with County Engineer Eric Martinez and County Project Manager Wayne Kohlrust.

Kohlrust said the project involves rebuilding the locker rooms and restrooms, installing a new HVAC system, and placing a new exterior flooring surface while staying within the existing footprint.

Martinez said the total project cost is $1.2 million. This, he emphasized, includes everything – design, construction, taxes, etc.

Layman explained that his firm was tasked with providing six locker rooms in the area of the existing locker rooms. Additionally, he said they are looking at maximizing the number of fixtures in the restrooms.

In one design option, Layman said the renovated areas are configured at an angle to follow the existing retaining wall and footing at the southwest corner of the building. The hope is to try to save some money, he said.

Each of the locker rooms are sized with benches to accomodate 21 players, Layman said, as well as cubbies to hold equipment for skaters.

Layman said a new HVAC system will not only serve the new locker rooms, but also serve existing rental, restroom and concession areas. The large unit on the roof’s crow nest will be removed.

“The restrooms were a little bit limited to where the plumbing is,” Layman said. “We’re trying to keep as many fixtures on that plumbing wall as possible and maybe try to work a way to get some sewer and water lines to add more toilet fixtures.”

He added that the restrooms will be built to code and accommodate 250 people.

The second design option is similar, Layman said. However, the second design moved the area for referees to the south end.

The restrooms in the second design are configured in such a way to not require entrance and exit doors. In the second design, the mechanical system also will be renovated.

Some attendees wondered about changing the vending area or perhaps adding a viewing area on the roof. Layman said additional work would exceed the budget.

Martinez agreed, saying, “Obviously we touched on budget and that is what is controlling a lot of what we are looking at here and additional features would reduce the scope to the restrooms and locker rooms.”

Kohlrust added that a rooftop viewing area brings up ADA accessibility issues. Most likely a lift would need to be constructed, he said.

Representatives from the Los Alamos Derby Dames roller derby team asked if the rink would still be accessible to them during the construction period. While there will be detours to access the rink, the presenters said the rink will remain accessible to the derby team.

The schedule for making these improvements to the rink is tight, Layman said in presenting the timeline for the project:

• The design development phase, which is the next phase, is expected to be finalized in November;
• Construction documents are scheduled to be completed in December;
• Starting in 2020, there will be a request for construction bids and a contractor will be hired;
• Construction is planned to start in March 2020; and
• A grand opening is expected in November 2020.

“We look forward to working with you all,” Layman said.