The Wichita Ice Center will remain without the use of one of two ice rinks until at least mid-November.
An ammonia compressor failure on September 9 occurred as the facility was building ice on the Olympic rink. Contractors determined that the compressor could not be repaired without a major rebuild. However, due to the extent of the failure and limited parts available, a rebuild would take longer and cost more than a full replacement.
Public Works Director Gary Janzen said this isn't the first issue the facility has had with compressors, most recently in July of 2023.
Further delays would mean more scheduling impacts and cancellation of events at the center.
City Manager Robert Layton issued a Public Exigency on September 18, which authorizes the Manager to approve work in those instances where the urgency will not permit delay for a formal bid process.
The city is currently in litigation against two defendants on various issues that have come up at the facility during the past few years.