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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT
AARP
Bloomington, MN
Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT
Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT
Virtual
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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A number of Ice Hockey" name="description"/> <meta content="Anoka, Area, Ice, Arena, Andover, MN" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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<a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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<a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/andover-mn/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Andover</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-free-oneonone-medicare-counseling-with-senior-linkage-line-bloomington-mn-11524-4wn5spxd7vq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FREE-ONEONONE-MEDICARE-COUNSELING-WITH-SENIOR-LINKAGE-LINE">Free One-On-One Medicare Counseling with Senior LinkAge Line</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">AARP</p> <p class="loc">Bloomington, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/homefit-making-home-safe-and-livable-for-all-minneapolis-mn-1162024-1030-am-ct-w6nkr73zbq2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOMEFIT-MAKING-HOME-SAFE-AND-LIVABLE-FOR-ALL">HomeFit: Making Home Safe and Livable for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Minneapolis Park and Recreation (Board Room)</p> <p class="loc">Minneapolis, MN</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mn-saving-money-with-tech-virtual-mn-11724-5pnwp97dnrq.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SAVING-MONEY-WITH-TECH">Saving Money with Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Thursday, Nov 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue">Virtual</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/andover-mn/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-ANDOVER-MN">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Minnesota Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in the Twin Cities</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:mnaarp@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mnaarp@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/minnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Minnesota</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-minnesota/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-ANDOVER-MN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMinnesota" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpmn" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpminnesota/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena - Andover, MN"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Anoka Area Ice Arena"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="45.227699"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-93.378899"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Anoka Area Ice Arena</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>4111 7th Ave North</div> <div> <span>Andover</span>, <span>MN</span> <span>55303</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://anokaicearena.com/" target="_blank">Anoka Area Ice Arena</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 763-427-8163</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Anoka+Area+Ice+Arena%2C+4111+7th+Ave+North%2C+Andover%2C+MN+55303" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History of Anoka Ice ArenaPrior to 1981 most local area ice activities were outside or at distant arenas, Columbia being the closest. A number of Ice Hockey enthusiasts tried on 3 separate occasions to get a voter referendum passed to build a municipal Ice Arena, all three efforts failed. In 1980 another group formed to try and build an arena privately. This group was made up of an all-volunteer group of ice hockey parents and supporters. A group of 70+ parents were charged with raising the necessary funds through donations and pledges from ice hockey parents, fans and local businesses. After a successful campaign and a donation from Anoka County, who was getting significant pressure to build another county rink, the project was given an o.k. Most of the money was raised from local area residents who were clearly willing to commit financially due to a total lack of available indoor ice. Another group was charged with building the arena. Volunteers worked every weekday night until 10:00 pm or later and on Saturday from 6:00 am till 10-11 pm. The entire arena except for the steel structure was built with outstanding dedicated volunteers (painters, plumbers, electricians, block layers, and general labor for the unskilled). The project received very favorable press from both Minneapolis and St. Paul papers and local T.V. This type of volunteer project was unique in Minnesota. Most arena's are municipal sponsored (thus taxpayer supported) but the Anoka arena is one of a very few that is Ice Arena Association member owned and operated. Ground was broken in July 1981 with a grand opening in November 1981(A truly exceptional performance). It became only the 3rd arena in Anoka County, Columbia and Coon Rapids being the others.  Financing was always a day to day problem because the funds only came from donations thus were limited. Needless to say every dollar had to be spent wisely. Many very hard decisions had to be made such as natural ice vs. artificial ice (big cost difference). On a number of occasions the entire group was called together to decide on a continuation or stop. Material was scrounged from many sources. Initial rubber came from a Taconite plant in Northern MN, bleachers from a school in Iowa. Outside fire escape was on a truck to a dump. The local sheriff stopped the truck and asked where the steps were going, after being advised the dump, he commented follow me (thus the rink's fire escape). There are many stories like these. To those who were there in the early 80's this was a palace, a gem and theirs to use. Would an upscale arena be preferable, yes but without taxpayer source of funding, there were no options or flexibility.  Every dollar got maximum use.  It is important that the history of the initial ice arena not be forgotten. It is a great story and the arena has served our local youth for now over 20 years. Without the value and equity of the initial arena, there would not be a second rink.  That original group should always be thanked for their efforts and wise use of the very limited funds they had to work with.  There is significant value to the Anoka Area Hockey Association of the Anoka Area Ice Arena. Since it is member owned and not municipal owned, arena members through a board determine ice arena priorities not a municipality. The Hockey Association gets priority on ice. Anoka gets all the hours it requests, which differs from other hockey associations who must buy ice hours at other arenas to serve their needs. Secondly, Anoka Hockey Association ice hour prices are below average market prices. Others who buy ice hours from Anoka Ice Arena pay a higher market price. Expenses are not incurred that our income can't support otherwise ice costs increase.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/andover-mn/report/place/anoka-area-ice-arena-andover-mn.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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