On March 16, Maple Grove city leaders cut the ribbon on phase one of the Community Center expansion, unveiling a third sheet of ice, the TruStone Rink, along with a refreshed lobby, updated concessions, and expanded parking. Dozens of skaters took the ice during the grand opening celebration, giving local teams more practice time close to home. Officials say this opening phase is the first step in a multi-phase renovation aimed at turning the facility into a regional destination for tournaments and events.
Phase One Delivers More Ice And Room To Breathe
Phase one added a brand new sheet of ice, dedicated dry land training spaces, updated concession areas, and more parking, with some site work scheduled to continue into the summer. According to the city's project site, Growing Together Maple Grove, the phased approach was designed so most amenities could stay open while the Lions pavilion and playground were rebuilt. The timeline posted by the city shows that phase one construction began in August 2024 and wrapped in spring 2026, with additional closures planned in other parts of the building as phase two work ramps up.
How The Expansion Was Paid For
The 116 million dollar renovation is being funded largely by a half-cent sales tax that voters approved in 2022, which has generated roughly 90 million dollars, with the state contributing 6 million dollars in bonding funds and sponsorships, donations, and athletic associations covering the rest, as reported by CCX Media. Mayor Mark Steffenson told CCX the project “strengthens Maple Grove not only as a great place to live but also as a destination for visitors from across the region.” Colin Steen, a former president of the Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association, told attendees the new rink will help keep the sport affordable for local families.
Next Up: Phase Two
Design work for phase two is already underway. The next round of construction will add a new community center entrance, expanded program and banquet space, and an activity and aquatics center that will replace the current Life Time footprint, according to the city’s project pages (City of Maple Grove). Bidding for that work is expected in spring 2026, with final construction anticipated by the end of 2028. Parks staff say programs will continue at alternate locations while portions of the building close for renovation, and that department offices will temporarily relocate during major work.
What It Means For The Community
Local tourism and business leaders say the extra sheet of ice should help attract multi-day tournaments and bring hotel and restaurant revenue into Maple Grove, a point local reporting flagged when covering the rink’s opening. The Osseo Maple Grove Hockey Association and other partners also contributed to the effort, and local coverage by CCX highlighted those association contributions and noted that the rink could boost hotel room nights and local spending. For now, city and league leaders say the new TruStone Rink puts more affordable home ice on the calendar for families and cuts down on the need for teams to rent time outside the community.
