H-F Park District is working to convert the
ice making system at H-F Ice Arena, updating
a 40-year-old refrigeration system.
H-F Park District is working to convert the
ice making system at H-F Ice Arena, updating
a 40-year-old refrigeration system.
(Chronicle file photo)
H-F Park District administrators are moving forward with plans to redesign its ice making system at the H-F Ice Arena to meet international standards.
Beginning Jan. 1, the United States will start to meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer. The U.S. is required to reduce the consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), strong greenhouse gases, by 99.5 percent. HCFCs are used in the ice making process.
The board of commissioners has been considering how best to solve the problem for several years. In 2017, it got a $4 million estimate for work that included conversion of the refrigeration system, a new roof and other improvements. The system has been in place from the time the ice arena opened more than 40 years ago.
At its Nov. 19 meeting, the board hired Wight & Company for $17,500 to provide preliminary engineering services and conceptual design work. The firm will offer suggestions on the mechanicals of the refrigeration system and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanicals because the current HVAC system runs through the refrigeration system being replaced. Also, a new roof and new floor slabs are part of the proposal. If the budget allows, commissioners will consider a new dehumidification system, new dasher boards/glass and new lighting.
Wight will give the park district assistance with a Park and Recreation Facility Construction Grant application. Stephanie Simpson, superintendent of recreation, said the grant is available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and “we feel this project aligns well with the requirements of this grant.”
The park district has known for several years that it would need to change its ice making system. The park district is using the R-22 coolant that is believed to be one of the substances causing depletion of the ozone layer. It is getting more difficult for the park district to find a supply of R-22, commonly known as Freon.
In other business, the board approved a contract for $17,500 to Sun-Ray Heating for replacement of the HVAC system for the Coyote Run Golf Course Clubhouse. The 10-ton four units that cool and heat the building were installed in 2005 and have been a problem since 2012, according to Tom Denklau, course manager.
He said the new equipment will be a 12.5 ton unit that is expected to be more efficient. The new unit should be in place by April 2020.