By Taylor Fleming
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – Construction at Owens Ice Center in Peoria is expected to begin in 2028. Right now, the Peoria Park District is in the concept phase of what they’re calling a “major facility improvement process” for the venue, located at 1019 West Lake Avenue.
The park district held a special Talk About It Tuesday discussion focusing on ice center plans. Members of the public suggested a number of ideas, including keeping the lobby’s wood paneling. But quickly, a common request emerged: putting in a third ice rink.
“This is really exciting; I think it’s very needed. I would concur, I think it would be better to have a third sheet of ice,” said Kate Pastucha, a community member at the event.
The park district in turn proposed more locker rooms, a new concessions area, expansions to the lobby, more bleacher seating, and more parking. However, park staffers said the main reason for the project is to replace the refrigeration units in both rinks.
The district is planning to spend up to $20 million dollars to renovate the ice center, but costs are not final.
A third rink is by no means guaranteed, but not off the table either.
“When we hear members of the public introduce items that we haven’t originally thought of, it’s actually encouraging. What we’re going to do, when we hear things like include a potential third ice sheet, we’re going to run it by our staff and we’re going to ultimately figure out is there any viability to make these desires come to fruition,” said park board trustee Alex Sierra.
For those who were unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting, but still have thoughts about what’s best for Owens Center, the park district encourages them to fill out a contact form on the district’s website.
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