Dodsland community gets first look at arena rebuild plans

By Joan Janzen

The anticipation was tangible as people gathered at the Dodsland Community Hall on Tuesday afternoon to view plans for the arena rebuild project. Architects Sarah Lipsit and Dallas Huard of AODBT Architecture + Interior Design in Saskatoon, along with project manager Logan Turk, were on hand to answer questions.

Amy Sittler, administrator for the Village of Dodsland, served as hostess and invited guests to help themselves to refreshments and a generous lunch. The event was hosted by the Arena Rebuild Committee, which consists of 22 members.

COMMUNITY BUY-IN. Dodsland residents review architectural renderings of the proposed arena rebuild during a come-and-goopen house at the Dodsland Hall, where architects from AODBT Architecture + Interior Design in Saskatoon were on hand to answer questions about the two-storey replacement facility.

Some of the principal people involved in the new skating rink planned for Dodsland hold artists’ renderings of what it will look like: Dodsland mayor Ryan Neumeier, village administrator Amy Sittler; the project manager for general contractor Hipperson Construction of Saskatoon and Regina, Logan Turk; and architects for AODBT Architecture + Interior Design of Saskatoon. Photo by David McIver

“The new structure will have the same basic footprint as the old arena but with more curling rink,” Sittler explained. “We want engagement with the town council and community as to what they want to see in the building.”

Once the designs have been finalized, the committee hopes to begin construction sometime in August. Community members took advantage of the come-and-go format to drop in and visit with the architects and project manager.

Architect Sarah Lipsit said it took about six months to design the structure.

“It’s been a very fast design,” she noted.

The arena will be a two-storey building. The lower level will have seating for 300 people, while the upper level will accommodate 120.

Lipsit enthusiastically pointed out several features, including a donor wall to recognize generous contributions and a concession booth where workers will be able to watch games while serving customers.

“The goal is for a 14-month building project,” said Logan Turk, the construction manager.

The room was filled with anticipation as residents looked forward to the construction of a new arena and community gathering place.

The architects and project manager spent the afternoon visiting with community members, sharing plans, answering questions and listening to feedback.

“We want to get it right!” Lipsit said.

It will be an exciting day when construction begins in Dodsland.