Yes, We Can!

Arena News

The Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey Association is steadily moving forward in their dream of building their own home ice. This will be a dream come true with the assistance and support of all.

Below is a synopsis of the decisions and details thus far.

Professional Consultants
TSP Companies, a national architectural and engineering firm specializing in the building of sports arenas/community athletic complexes, has been hired to guide us through the entire process.

Fundraising
An initial community fund raising effort is underway in order to raise funds to serve as retainers for TSP Companies, Burleys Rink Supply Company and a professional fundraiser. Funds are being solicitated from association members and their families and friends as well as local businesses and organizations. Donations will be commemorated with a brick in the new facility. The type of commemorative token will depend on the amount given. Any amount donated will be greatly appreciated.

All contributions are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: BBLIA and mail to: BBLIA, c/o Chelle Nelson, 11435 Third Street, Becker, MN 55308.

Sites
Several sites have been discussed and investigated:

• City of Becker agreed to lease land at several sites to the association for 20 years. The association would build, run and maintain the building.
• Big Lake LAMP project proposed that a building be built on the high school property. The school would run and staff the building while the association would be responsible for the debt service.
• An annonymous donor offered 1.5-2 acres of land approximately 1.5 miles East on the outskirts of Big Lake between 172nd Street and the bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks. The association would need to purchase some additional land for parking and then build the building. The Arena Committee has decided that this is best proposal and is moving forward with this option.

Type of Facility
The initial architectural plans proposed by TSP is for an ice arena/community sports complex with one sheet of ice with the addition of a second sheet at a later date. Other possible plans include:

• Two 9,700-10,000 sq. ft. retail space areas for rent or lease (these will be divied into smaller sections)
  
• Dance Studio
  
• Education Center with 4-5 computer stations
  
• Conference Room open for use by community organizations at no charge
  
• Fitness Center, including a walking track, to help entice corporate memberships

NHL Diversity Program
We have joined the NHL Diversity program. This program will allow us to use the NHL logo in our arena as well as on products we sell. The program is designed to enable children to participate in the youth hockey program who otherwise would not have the resources to join. This includes financial support as well as equipment use. The Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey program has been assisting children for years in these areas. We feel that no child should be denied the opportunity to participate in this family-oriented sport.

Community Support
The support of an arena by both the Becker and Big Lake communities has been very exciting. The Big Lake School Board as well as the Big Lake LAMP have passed resolutions of support for the arena. and LAMP has promised $25,000.

Joel Westrum of Westrum Electric has offered to do all electrical drafting and installation at a cost of materials only! Thanks!

Upcoming Meetings
Members of the Arena Committee as well as other interested parties have been meeting on a weekly basis and the days and times vary to accommodate everyone's busy lives. All are welcome to join us! Contact Lois Pegg at 763 633-6666 during the day for more information on upcoming meetings.