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INFORMATION UPDATE
January 13, 2026
5:00 PM,
I.Information Update
I.A Follow-up Report-Recreation Facilities Masterplan Update
251110-Worksession_FollowUP_Memo_Recreation_Facilities_MP(1).docx
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FOLLOW-UP REPORT
ORIGINAL MEETING DATE: 11/10/2025
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE: 01/12/2026
SUBJECT: Recreation Facilities Master Plan Update:
Aspen Recreation Center and Aspen Ice
Garden
PRESENTED BY: Scott Chism, Business Services Director
Desiree Whitehead, Recreation Director
Mira Theisen, Perkins & Will (Consultant)
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rachael Richards, John Doyle, Bill
Guth, Christine Benedetti, Sam Rose
______________________________________________________________________
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION SUMMARY: Staff and the Consultant presented an
update on progress of the Recreation Facilities Master Plan project.
1. Topic: Aspen Recreation Center expansion concept: Staff presented a
summarized history of the community’s recreation facilities including the James E.
Moore Pool, Aspen Ice Garden, Aspen Recreation Center and Red Brick building.
A building expansion concept including a gymnasium space, indoor wal king track,
fitness/weights spaces, staff work space, and recreation programming storage
space would enable the Recreation Department to offer expanded recreational
programming.
Council agreed that planning work should continue to address current and
future needs, however there is not an urgency for that facility planning. There
was not unanimous consensus, but the majority of Council members
supported the consideration of an indoor multi-purpose gymnasium space
and improved work out spaces at the Aspen Recreation Center.
2. Topic: Accommodating recreation programming with a flexible gymnasium space
at the Aspen Recreation Center, housing, and parking are primary considerations
for any future development at the Aspen Recreation Center.
Council members acknowledged that the presented vision could meet
community recreation needs. Consideration of addressing current and
future parking needs at the Aspen Recreation Center was identified as
necessary with any type of facility expansion planning. Community
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recreation joint use agreements with the Aspen School District were
discussed with identification that Aspen School District was ending adult
use of school gyms, which negatively affects what recreational programming
can be offered by the Recreation Department. Council members agreed that
project planning should continue, but slowly. City Council was hesitant to
proceed quickly with a generational project. City Council members
suggested to improve where possible and to maintain facility functionality.
3. Topic: The Aspen Ice Garden facility condition requires significant capital
improvement to building spaces and systems in order to keep the facility
operational, including short term needs for building ventilation and heating as well
as roofing. The ammonia refrigeration system will be replaced in 2026.
Council members expressed a general consensus to retain a sheet of ice at
the Aspen Ice Garden and to retain the Aspen Ice Garden as a community
recreational facility. Council members acknowledged nostalgia, charm and
convenience of Aspen Ice Garden location as an in-town recreational
amenity.
NEXT STEPS:
City Council expressed interest in having a site visit of the Aspen Recreation
Center in early summer 2026 to gain a greater understanding of existing
conditions. City Council identified the need to identify private funding partners
for future capital improvements at both the Aspen Recreation Center and Aspen
Ice Garden. Staff will identify funding necessary to enable the planning to proceed
at a measured pace in 2026, including public outreach efforts later in 2026.
Staff will continue to coordinate and collaborate with the Aspen School District on
the topics of possible future development of a field house on Aspen School District
property, and community use of school gymnasium spaces.
Staff will work to continue to clarify community recreational needs.
The Aspen Ice Garden will require ongoing repairs, updates and maintenance to
the facility’s interior spaces and operating systems. Staff will focus on keeping the
facility operational, which may result in larger building renovation efforts.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
Following the November work session, the School Superintendent and the City Manager
met and discussed a renewed opportunity for adult programming within the school district
campus. While details are still being worked, generally there is support and it is anticipated
that adult programming will return to the gymnasium spaces within the school campus.
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