Rink

hope to expand programming and sup- port for the Tigers. Zamora explains that the high school hockey teams had to drive 30 minutes to the closest arena for practices and games. Hockey players, families and fans had to endure game times as late as 9 p.m. on school nights and 10:30 p.m. on week- ends. This new facility eases that burden not only for Edwardsville hockey teams, but surrounding clubs as well like Twin Bridges Hockey. Zamora has been involved in the build- ing of the RP Lumber Center from the very beginning, and he gives credit to the residents who volunteered their time to participate in focus groups on the topics of design, operation and fund- ing. Financially, many local businesses stepped up to make sure the facility was built, as they knew it would be a benefit to the entire community. "We initially had a $2.5 million grant that got us off the ground, but we had some very generous donors that pitched in to give this project some legs," Zamora said. In search of inspired design from a reputable company, the city of Edwardsville partnered with local firm Chiodini Architects. "The city administration did a deep dive into design with Chiodini," Zamora added. "They toured neighboring arenas and noted features they felt were nice amenities. We really had input from a lot of different community members, and a lot of local vendors have put time and effort into this facility." The new ice arena has seating for 650 people, a fitness center, an indoor walk- ing track, and locker rooms with a dedi- cated shower area. "One of the features I really like in the design of the facility is the locker USICERINKS.COM JULY.AUGUST.2022 / 21 , A 175-meter track surrounds the NHL-sized ice sheet at RP Lumber Center. "IT'S THE FINAL PIECE OF THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES THE CITY'S VISION."

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