Mammoth Lakes Community Recreation Center (CRC)

Introduction

The Town of Mammoth Lakes is constructing a new Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park after Town Council on February 17, 2021 awarded the contract to Hamel Contracting Inc. The project bid cost was $14,831,040 to build the CRC with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for this summer (2023).

The Community Recreation Center (CRC) will be a Sprung Performance Arena enclosing an Olympic size ice rink that will operate in the winter and in the summer, durable sport tiles will cover the rink creating a 20,000 sq. foot Mammoth RecZone. Combined with community driven and professionally branded programming, the new year-round facility operated by the Parks and Recreation Department will be a game-changer for recreation in Mammoth Lakes.

The CRC is the major recreation amenity at Mammoth Creek Park that includes three complementary components: the natural play area; National Demonstration Site 7,700 sq. ft. inclusive playground and the new minor-mobility hub with parking for up to 118 vehicles.

LA KINGS ANNOUNCE HISTORIC NEW ICE RINK PARTNERSHIP IN MAMMOTH LAKES

December 7, 2022 – The Town of Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT), and Mammoth Lakes Recreation (MLR) have launched an historic new, community-driven partnership with National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the LA Kings. As part of the expansive, multiyear partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, the partners have teamed up to launch “LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes”– the Town’s first indoor Olympic-sized ice rink.

“We could not be prouder to be working in partnership with Mammoth Lakes Tourism, Mammoth Lakes Recreation and the Town of Mammoth Lakes to bring LA Kings Ice to Mammoth Lakes,” said LA Kings President and Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille. “We know this project will have a lasting and positive effect on the Mammoth Lakes community and we are delighted to help elevate the quality and experience of ice sports for its residents and visitors, many of whom are also avid hockey fans and players.”

Read the entire Press Release here.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

April 21, 2021 - Members of the Mammoth Lakes Town Council, the Planning and Economic Development Commission (PEDC), the Recreation Commission, Town staff, and the Mammoth Stars celebrated the groundbreaking for the for the new Community Recreation Center (CRC) on April 21, 2021 at Mammoth Creek Park.

CLEAN AIR GRANT FUNDS NEW ZERO EMISSION ZAMBONI MACHINE FOR COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

February 10, 2022 - Funded from the Clean Air Projects Program, the Town took possession of a new lithium-ion Zamboni 552AC ice resurfacing machine for operation at the new LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes operating within the Community Recreation Center.

“The new custom built Zamboni machine is more reliable, has zero emissions, will significantly reduce maintenance, operating and fuel costs, and most importantly, will deliver an exceptional skating surface utilizing the new Level-Ice system for our many users,” stated Stuart Brown, Parks and Recreation Director.

The Zamboni 552AC machine will deliver clean ice and clean air – critical for operating indoors at the new Community Recreation Center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2022. The new emission-free ice-resurfacer replaces the existing propane-driven 27-year-old Olympia, well past its useful life. In its drive to net zero, the Town also purchased a new electric Zamboni EZIII Edger, replacing the outdated, gas-driven 1999 unit. The new Zamboni machine will be used at the existing Mammoth Ice Rink for the remainder of the season.

Mammoth Creek Park Temporary Closure

For the duration of construction for the new Community Recreation Center (estimated 12 months), the Mammoth Creek Park playground, restrooms and parking lot will be CLOSED to the public. The Town will maintain public restrooms on the eastside of Mammoth Creek Park accessible from the multi-use path. We invite you to enjoy one of our many playgrounds at Trails End Park, Shady Rest Park and the Community Center.

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work towards enhancing our community recreation amenities.

Please view a presentation (Town Council April 21, 2021) highlighting the construction project, the temporary park closure and the many other wonderful parks and playgrounds in Mammoth Lakes.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission is the Town Council’s designated advisory body for this project and have been actively engaged with the community during the past five years to assess the programming needs for the facility. The Commission continues to align the stated programming with the following goals for the Community Recreation Center at Mammoth Creek Park:

To enhance the quality of life for residents of Mammoth Lakes.
To provide complementary multi-purpose, year-round, indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities accessible to all residents and visitors.
To create a venue that encourages and facilitates community social interaction.
To provide a ‘recreation destination’ that the entire community of Mammoth Lakes will actively enjoy, value and ultimately be proud to call ‘Our Park.’
To provide enhanced and innovative program offerings that promote ‘healthy and active’ lifestyles for all ages.
To continue to allow for the passive enjoyment of the park that includes walking paths, open space and access to Mammoth Creek Park.

The guiding principle builds from the “A Town within a Park” concept that will deliver local residents and visitors high-quality complementary recreation facilities at Mammoth Creek Park. The proposed improvements will complement the National Demonstration Site inclusive playground, existing play areas and parking lot leading to an enhanced quality of life.

Funding

The majority of funding (86%) for the construction of the Community Recreation Center and mini-mobility hub ($14.83 Million) was derived from Measure R and Measure U special use taxes. Other funding sources included donations from the Raise the Roof campaign, Park Development Impact Fees (DIF), Mello Roos, transit reserves and the Town’s general fund.

Approved by the voters of Mammoth Lakes in 2008, Measure R is a special fund designated for use by the Town of Mammoth Lakes only for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, programming and administration of all trails, parks and recreation facilities managed by the Town of Mammoth Lakes.

The Measure U or “Mammoth Lakes Mobility, Recreation and Arts & Culture Utility Users Tax Ordinance,” was approved by the voters in 2010 and funding is designated for the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, programming and administration of facilities and projects for Mobility, Recreation and Arts & Culture. These two-voter approved special use taxes are not available for other Town strategic priorities.

Proposed Schedule

Date	Activity
August 21, 2020	Public bid posting
October 16, 2020	Public bid closes
February 17, 2021	Town Council Awards contract to Hamel Contracting Inc.
Post Bid Award	Acquire Sprung structure, Chiller, DasherBoards, Scoreboard, etc.
April 21, 2021	Groundbreaking Ceremony
Winter, 2022/23	Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Sprung Performance Arenas

The new Community Recreation Center (CRC) at Mammoth Creek Park will be a 40,300 square foot Sprung Performance Arena enclosing an Olympic size rink for year-round recreation use.

A Sprung Performance Arena was selected by the Town for its affordability, reduced operating and energy expenses and green footprint. Sprung structures are known for their exceptional durability - a necessity in a typical Mammoth Lakes winter - and for their proven long-term performance, quality ice surface, interior brightness, and high ceiling allowing for a multitude of sports.

For four generations, Sprung has designed world-class innovative building solutions that consistently outperform other building alternatives. Sprung structures are engineered to lower overall project costs, reduce operating and energy expenses, while minimizing ongoing maintenance costs. In addition, Sprung uses recycled content wherever possible, engage in responsible construction waste management practices, and the robust tension system is built to endure extreme conditions, such as a Mammoth Lakes winter!

The life expectancy of a Sprung structure is designed to last for 65 years, which should be considered permanent for this type of facility. Built with an up to 25-year guaranteed performance architectural membrane and an up to 50-year guaranteed performance non-corroding aluminum substructure, Sprung structures are known for their exceptional durability and proven long-term performance.

Site & Floor Plan

The facility is being constructed with only ground floor amenities. Pending available funding, the facility has the ability to expand to contain a mezzanine, built in stadium bleachers, and elevated walkways with ADA access for enhanced viewing and community use.

The first floor contains a 20,000 square foot, Olympic-sized arena that converts in summer to a gymnasium with 3 full-size basketball/volleyball/futsal courts or a full-size Arena Soccer court, along with a variety of other recreational/community configurations. In addition, the facility encompasses a 2,500 square foot multi-purpose space with public and family restrooms. Expansive locker rooms with showers and toilets are strategically located adjacent to the rink on the north side to maximize space and views of the rink.

NEW Minor Mobility Hub

The mobility hub incorporates a new parking lot that includes 118 vehicle spaces (42 existing spaces) with provisions for a bus shelter and expanded bike racks. ADA and clean air vehicle spaces will be provided and provisions for electric vehicle charging stations are also planned.

The site is centrally located along the Town Multi Use Path (MUP) and trail system (MLTS) offering multi-model access to over 20 miles of multi-use paths connecting to destinations in town and beyond in the Inyo National Forest. Pedestrians along Old Mammoth Road, school children or visitors to the Mammoth Lakes Library can easily walk to the park or catch the complimentary Red or Purple line buses.

Winter Programming

The ice rink will operate during the winter months from approximately November to April. The Olympic-size ice rink (100’x200’) will be fully enclosed allowing for a reliable and quality ‘ice’ experience. Broad community input from several user groups helped inform and build the Playbook for the ice rink. Daily drop-in or frequently programmed activities at the ice rink include public skating, youth/adult hockey, figure skating and curling.

Home to the Mammoth Stars, Mammoth Lakes Youth Hockey (MLYH) is a small, but passionate USA Hockey sanctioned group of parents and hockey fans dedicated to fostering a love of the game here in Mammoth Lakes, and the greater Eastern Sierra region.

The ice rink will be programmed weekly for hockey/curling leagues and learn to skate/curl or play hockey sessions, with special monthly programs, events, birthday parties and regional curling tournaments. In addition, the four expansive locker rooms with player showers/restrooms will cater to the many youth and adult hockey players eager to travel to Mammoth Lakes to play in tournaments and improve their skills and endurance in professionally hosted hockey development camps.

Summer Programming

In the summer months, the Olympic size arena will be transformed into a fully programmable and truly multi-use 20,000 square foot RecZone and will be the new hub or base camp for the expanding Parks and Recreation Department summer camps and programs.

As the name illustrates, the RecZone will be THE place for summer recreation in Mammoth Lakes delivering all recreation, all the time! With proposed durable, sports tiles offering excellent traction, ball response and shock absorption, the RecZone will be fully programmed for a multitude of court sports, league play, tournaments and community events.

The 3 gymnasium style courts will cater to sports such as basketball, futsal, pickleball, badminton, volleyball, badminton, dodgeball, and our expanding arena soccer programs. The facility will also accommodate adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, pickleball, tennis and roller hockey.