Thorsby to begin arena floor replacement next month

THORSBY -- Officials in Thorsby have issued a timeline for the completion of their arena floor replacement project.

In a statement, the township says that the major project is slated to get underway on March 23 at the Arctic Spas Rec Complex. Demolition is expected to begin on April 1, and the installation of the new floor will take place starting on May 15. If all goes according to plan, the arena will officially re-open to the public in late September in time for the winter season.

Thorsby staff say the replacement is necessary due to a worsening brine leak in the arena floor. Several leaks have been treated in years past using sealant; however, it's reported by the municipality that the sealant is no longer holding. They note that a recent leak increased in severity and that a technical review determined that ongoing patch repairs are no longer a reliable option. The refrigeration lines beneath the ice surface are now more than 40 years old, according to the municipality.

The township adds that their decision to undertake the major project right away was driven by infrastructure failure and construction realities, not convenience or scheduling. This comes as members of the public had expressed concern due to the timing of the project, which will make the arena unavailable to the local graduating class in the coming months. 

"We recognize that graduation is a meaningful milestone, and any change affecting plans is disappointing," said the Town of Thorsby in a statement. "At the same time, Council has a responsibility to address aging infrastructure before a larger system failure occurs, and to protect the long-term viability of a facility that serves our community year-round."

It's also stated that if construction were to be pushed back until after graduation, a significant portion of the 2026-2027 ice season would be lost, resulting in reduced revenue driven by tournaments and regular programming.