This summer, the Park District will replace the Centennial Ice Arena compressor system. The compressor system makes and maintains the ice rink. The replacement of the compressor is prompted by the discontinuation of the R-22 refrigerant that is used by the current compressor system.

The current system was installed when the building was first built in 1972.  The typical life expectancy of a rink refrigeration system is 20 years. The refrigerant that the existing system uses is typical to ice rinks but has since been categorized as an ozone-depleting substance by the US Environmental Protection Agency and is being phased out. In 2020, the R-22 coolant is no longer being produced.

The $1.8M system upgrade will take advantage of the latest advancements in efficiency, operability and sustainability by leveraging the Official Refrigerant Solution of the NHL® and direct digital controls infrastructure.  The upgraded system will also use 40% less water.   

The ice rink will be down during the replacement. Construction begins Monday, May 18. The new system will be operational the first week of September.

Centennial Ice Arena is currently closed as a result of the Covid-19 closures, and therefore the construction will not impact any programs or activities at this time.

Construction will primarily be limited to the interior of the building and is not expected to impact the neighborhood.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the project.