Plymouth Considers $135M in New Athletic Building Projects
The city of Plymouth is considering making substantial investments into athletic complexes that could create regional assets while also addressing community needs.
The total investment could approach $135 million — and Plymouth voters could potentially see the proposal on their ballots in November.
Plymouth is mulling three proposed projects: 1) building a $55 million fieldhouse with year-round access to replace the existing three-season dome facility, 2) constructing a fourth sheet of ice and making renovations at the Plymouth Ice Center for another $55 million, and 3) building an artificial turf soccer complex at the site of the former Four Seasons Mall at a cost of up to $25 million.
Officials stress that the costs are high-level estimates identified from preliminary designs.
The three projects were identified through public survey input and staff consideration.
“This is step one of many,” said Jennifer Tomlinson, the city’s parks and recreation director. “We’re lining up to the starting line.”
The city will move these plans forward by bringing a sales tax proposal before the legislature.
That is, the city will ask for approval to put a 0.5 percent sales tax referendum before voters.
It’s expected to be a highly competitive process as 30 to 35 other cities could also put forth their own sales tax proposals before the legislature, Tomlinson said.
Proposed Fieldhouse and Gym Addition
The proposed fieldhouse would expand the size of the indoor soccer field to 110 yards by 75 yards.
In addition, the surrounding running loop would be elevated above the field to avoid conflicts between runners and soccer players.
When asked why a need to replace the current dome fieldhouse, Tomlinson said the turf has reached the end of useful life, so it’s an opportune time to consider the idea.
She also said the operating costs at the dome “are very significant.”
It costs about $30,000 to put up or take down the dome each time due to a large number of staff needed.
Heating costs at the dome are also a factor, said Tomlinson.
“It’s a pretty inefficient model for resources, environmental stewardship, even just just operating it, providing a decent experience for our users,” said Tomlinson. “We thought this is a facility that could really benefit some sort of permanent investment.”
In addition, the city would add a third gym, something previously planned for when the Plymouth Community Center expanded in 2022.
Running track would be elevated above soccer field for proposed Plymouth Fieldhouse.
Plymouth Ice Center Expansion Plans
The Plymouth Ice Center, or PIC as it’s commonly known, is also slated for improvements.
The existing building has three sheets of ice, but the city has heard frequently about “lack of space,” said Tomlinson.
Future plans would include adding a fourth ice sheet and modernizing both the exterior and interior of the building.
Other than mechanical system upgrades, Tomlinson said the PIC hasn’t had any improvements in 25 years.
“That’s really the point in time when buildings really need a significant investment,” said Tomlinson.
The Wayzata Youth Hockey Association is one of the primary users, renting more than 3,000 hours a year, said Tomlinson.
She said the group often has to go to other cities to rent additional ice time.
City officials also believe improvements like the one proposed could have significant economic impact on the community.
“Having four sheets of ice also elevates this facility on more of a national stage,” said Tomlinson. “We’re able to attract some pretty significant national tournaments.”
The PIC is currently slated to host the USA Hockey High School National Championships in March.
An expanded concessions area is part of Plymouth Ice Center renovation plan.
Four Seasons Regional Athletic Complex
The city also wants to create a regional amenity at the site of the former Four Seasons Mall, which has sat vacant for more than a decade. Multiple development plans have fallen through at the site due to costly soil corrections needed to build on the land.
Plymouth’s plan would put three artificial turf fields on the site that would be surrounded by a walking trail.
“This can serve as a regional amenity with a ton of spillover benefits,” said Tomlinson.
Outdoor turf fields would be a first for the city’s parks system.
“It’s really an outstanding opportunity for really an adaptive reuse of a site that has some real serious conditions associated with it,” said Tomlinson.
Cost Concerns
Some city council members have expressed reservations about the project cost and who it ultimately benefits.
A 0.5 percent sales tax would cost taxpayers roughly $100 annually for the average homeowner over a period of 20 years, according to city cost estimates.
It’s estimated that 55 percent of the project cost would be paid for by visitors of the city.
“Between now and May, it is going to be essential that we get this understanding of what the financial implications are in far greater detail,” said Plymouth City Council Member Joel Spoonheim. “I think the citizens are saying, as we saw in the survey earlier, tax increases are a concern.”
Cities have increasingly resorted to sales taxes to pay for infrastructure.
The city of Maple Grove has a 0.5 percent sales tax to pay for its community center renovation and expansion, and additional sheet of ice. Golden Valley has a 1.25 percent sales tax to pay for city facilities. The city of Minnetonka also wants to enact a 0.5 percent sales tax.
Plymouth Mayor Jeff Wosje said the benefit of a sales tax referendum is the decision is left to voters.
“If it gets approved by the legislature and it goes to a referendum, and our residents who have expressed concerns in this survey, they get a chance to weigh in. They get to decide,” said Wosje.
Plymouth City Manager Dave Callister said the city requested $26 million in state bonding for the projects, but he isn’t isn’t confident it will receive any state funding.
