City council acts on naming rights criteria for rink, lobby

The Worthington City Council on Monday approved criteria for naming rights at what it's now calling the Worthington Ice and Recreation Arena.

Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson told council members that city staff has been approached by entities offering financial contributions toward the construction of the arena in exchange for naming rights. He added that staff met with the arena subcommittee on Feb. 2 advising that the council should establish criteria for naming rights.

Recommendations approved by council members Monday night include:

• Arena Rink Naming Rights: $500,000 per rink with full funding received by the city within six months following the execution of the construction contract or approval by the city council, whichever occurs last. 

• Lobby Naming Rights: $250,000 with the same terms as those for the arena rink naming rights.

  
  

Acceptance of naming rights is a donation to the city and will require approval by resolution of the council.

In a separate matter, council members authorized the advertisement for bids for replacement of the restroom in Centennial Park. The restroom is in collaboration with District 518’s new softball project. Bids received will be opened March 4 and recommended during the city council meeting of March 9.

Additionally, the city council approved a pair of residential property tax abatement requests following brief public hearings on each.

The first request granted was submitted by Todd Schwebach of Todd Schwebach Construction, who was seeking an abatement for the construction of a single-family home at 921 Diagonal Road. The previous home on the lot was demolished in 2024. The second request approved was submitted by Marco Ramos on behalf of Ramos Construction, and was abatement for the construction of a single-family home on Cecilee Street.

Also Monday, council approved Worthington Area YMCA summer 2026 program fees. They include the Water World Aquatic Center, Day Camp and City Summer Sports Programs.

YMCA Executive Director Karri Olmanson noted there's now a $150 flat fee for summer camp, as opposed to the three tiers of fees that were previously in place. Family season passes have increased by $40 and are good for four members in the same household. For any additional people, it's an extra $25. Additionally, fees for each summer sport have increased by $5.

Among the other items of business, the council approved a public pedestrian underpass crossing agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for the East Okabena Lake Trail project. The underpass at the railroad crossing will have a 14-feet by 10-feet precast box culvert.