City Commission Approves Demolition of Oakdale Ice Skating Rink

In Monday's City Commission meeting, the Commissioners reviewed a proposal to grant the demolition contract for the former Oakdale Ice Skating Rink to Diehl Enterprises Inc. The bid in question amounts to $77,750, including a construction contingency of $3,887.50 (5%). This brings the total project authorization to not exceed $81,637.50.

Background:
Salina's aquatic history traces back to 1925, when the City allocated $15,000 for the construction of a municipal pool in Oakdale Park. Completed in 1926, the Oakdale Pool, though lacking a chlorination system, served the community until it was converted into an ice skating rink in the new millennium. In 1956, the Salina Municipal Pool at Kenwood Park was constructed, rendering the Oakdale Pool obsolete.

The Oakdale Pool was later transformed into an ice skating rink, and in approximately 2012, an art installation was placed on the rink's surface as part of a Salina Art Center project. The installation was not intended to be preserved and was the artist's first ground-level attempt, contrasting their usual rooftop installations on skyscrapers. Therefore, decommissioning the artwork is not deemed necessary.

The proposed project entails removing approximately 35,000 square feet of concrete slab and sidewalk, excavating three feet below ground level. It also includes the procurement and delivery of approximately 5,000 tons of backfill soil. Once in place, the backfill will be compacted and graded to match the surrounding park ground. City staff will subsequently prepare the area and sow seeds to complete site restoration.

According to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, there's a project listed as item #104, focusing on identifying funding sources to construct a destination water feature in the former swimming pool area at the park's center. The demolition of the Oakdale Ice Skating Rink paves the way for future enhancements.

Moreover, in line with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, other demolition projects are being pursued. Sunset Park will see the demolition of tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and related fencing to facilitate future improvements.

Diehl Enterprises Inc., a reputable contractor, has a track record of providing such services in Salina, including the recent demolition of Oakdale Tennis Courts and subsequent site restoration.

Fiscal Note:
The project's funding will be drawn from the Park Improvement Fund, funded through Sales Tax revenue.

The motion to award the demolition bid for the former Oakdale Ice Skating Rink to Diehl Enterprises Inc., with an amount of $77,750 and a 5% contingency of $3,887.50, thereby not to exceed a total project authorization of $81,637.50, and to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Diehl Enterprises Inc. upon fulfillment of all prerequisites under the purchasing policy, was approved with a 5-0 vote.