New Ice Rink Coming To Goat Hill Park

EAGAN, MN — The city of Eagan announced a partnership with Eagan Hockey Association to build a refrigerated ice rink and pavilion covering at Goat Hill Park.

This project, for which construction will begin this fall, will increase access to outdoor skating in the winter and create a year-round community space, the city said.

Once completed, the ice rink will be able to be used between October and March, the city said.

The project will begin with the installation of a concrete rink and chiller system, according to city officials.

EHA has also committed $1.3 million for the project, which will cover the first phase of installing the rink and chiller system, as well as other site enhancements, the city said.

The pavilion will create an area that community members can use during any part of the year, the city said.

"We are always looking for new and expanding opportunities for recreation in Eagan, and we work with community groups to bring them to life," Eagan Parks and Recreation Facility and Project Manager Chris Fleck said. “Youth hockey participation continues to grow in Eagan, and an outdoor refrigerated rink will help keep players and community members skating here in Eagan. We are continually developing our parks in Eagan to meet community needs and working with community groups allows us to do so in a creative and cost-effective manner."

"We know how much our community values our parks and recreation opportunities. In fact, 97 percent of residents have shared that they use our parks, and 99 percent rate our parks positively," he continued. "As a staff we care, and reflect those values, and work to bring those values and visions to life. We do this through creating partnerships, ongoing investments, and projects that foster safe and meaningful connections."

EHA originally approached the city in 2018 with the idea for the rink, but for Pilot Knob Park, the city said. The association reached out to the Parks and Recreation Department in 2020 asking to partner with it in the installation of the rink at Goat Hill Park, according to the city.

This summer, the city said it accepted a donation of $12,000 from EHA to evaluate the site and provide a concept design for the rink to further advance the project.

Additional funding to expedite the process could be provided by any fundraising efforts by EHA, the city said.

"Our partnership with City started with Hot Dog Hockey under the lights of Sperry Tower, and it’s only flourished since then," Mike Larson with the Eagan Hockey Association said. "It’s great to a have a partner where we can complement each other’s goals - to increase access to a growing activity, create additional ice space here in our community, and create a year-round community amenity. It speaks volumes to our community and the City and what we can do when we work together."