Chaska will celebrate the opening of its newly renovated ice arena and additional improvements Sunday afternoon.

One hour of free open skating begins at noon, followed by tours and other family events, including a 1 p.m. ribbon-cutting at the Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Drive.

The improvements include two new ice sheets and mechanical room that cost about $2.5 million, renovated restrooms, outside sidewalks and new flooring at a cost of about $300,000. Chaska Parks and Recreation Director Tom Redman said the project is the first major improvement in the ice arena since it opened as part of the community center in 1990.

The center also includes gymnasiums, a pool, a weight room, cardio equipment, a walking track, and sports medicine and pediatric therapy clinics. It offers more than 250 recreational programs that include aerobics, day care, playroom, racquetball and senior activities.

Tom Meersman

@stribmeers