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ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ALDERS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH WONDERLAND OF ICE ASSOCIATES FOR THE MANAGEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE RALPH WALKER ICE RINK AT BLAKE FIELD
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WHEREAS, the City of New Haven (“City”) is the owner of the Ralph Walker Ice Rink (“Walker Ice Rink”) at 1080 State Street, Blake Field; and
WHEREAS, from 2016 to 2019 the City carried out extensive renovations to the Walker Ice Rink including an extension of the ice sheet, new mechanicals and fenestration, locker rooms and upgrades to the warming hut and concession area all following an intensive planning process concerning the future of Walker Ice Rink; and
WHEREAS, these improvements position the Walker Ice Rink as a first-class community resource that not only accommodates significant regional demand for ice time but also supports access to skating opportunities for New Haven residents well beyond traditional user groups; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the City entered into a long-term agreement with Albertus Magnus College (“Albertus Magnus”) as an anchor user of the Walker Ice Rink and in support of the Albertus Magnus NCAA collegiate hockey program; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, Wonderland of Ice Associates responded to the City’s Request for Proposals 2021-05-1377 for Rink Operator; and
WHEREAS, Wonderland of Ice Associates has an extensive background in the operation of community ice rinks in Connecticut, including facilities in Bridgeport and Norwich, and has submitted a plan for the Walker Ice Rink that is consistent with the City’s goals; and
WHEREAS, following review of the technical submission and negotiation of terms, the City and Wonderland of Ice Associates wish to enter a five-year Agreement for the Management, Operations and Maintenance of the Walker Ice Rink (“the Agreement”); and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED, by the Board of Alders of the City of New Haven that the Agreement be approved together with any other documents that are reasonably required to implement the provisions of the Lease Agreement; and
FURTHER, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, that the Mayor be and hereby is authorized to execute, acknowledge and deliver on behalf of the City of New Haven, the Agreement in a form substantially similar to that attached to this Order, and the City-Town Clerk of the City of New Haven be and hereby is authorized and directed to impress and attest the official seal of the City of New Haven on the Agreement and this Order.