KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Offseason renovations are underway at Lawson Ice Arena on the campus of Western Michigan University.
Workers are installing a new rink system, which includes a new ice floor, dasher boards, glass, underground plumbing and mechanical equipment.
Paul Schneider, the facility’s manager, said the 40-year-old arena will sport higher-quality ice and a lower carbon footprint once work is done.
“You can’t save a ton of energy in ice rinks, but this will help us save more energy than we’re doing right now,” Schneider said.
Neighboring Gabel Natatorium will also benefit.
“We’ll be heating the pool from waste energy from the ice arena,” Schneider said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to maintain a little bit warmer water in the pool.”
The work should be done by September.
