(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The current hockey season may be heating up in Pittsburgh, but just a few minutes up north in Beaver County the focus is already on next season.

At the County Commissioners’ work session, the planned date for when the Ice Arena would re-open its rink was announced by Parks & Recreation director Tony Caltury. The rink area is being renovated with the assistance of a grant from the Pittsburgh Penguins awarded in late winter 2020.

“Work should be done throughout the summer,” said Caltury at the Wednesday work session, “and be ready for reopening in late August.” The plans for renovation were delayed by the general contractors and the Penguins organization shortly after the initial announcement was made, due to the sudden emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caltury also mentioned that the contractors for the project were given a “lengthy wish list” during their tour of the facility, which took place in recent days. The grant budget is $100,000.