Berkley Ice Arena forced to close for season after coolant leak

By @MichaelCaples –

Due to a coolant leak, Berkley Ice Arena has had to close its doors for the winter hockey season.

The leak is coming from underneath concrete beneath the ice, per a city release as shared by WXYZ Channel 7’s official site:

“The challenge is pinpointing the exact location of the leak; an expensive and time consuming endeavor,” the city said in a release.

According to the city, there have been mechanical issues over the years at the arena due to the age of the equipment, and there are  few options for bringing life into the aging facility.

“We are saddened by this situation,” City Manager Matt Baumgarten said. “We must take this time and consider what can be done given the city’s remaining capital needs and a plan for the future.”

The arena, in operation for the last 42 years, is a home for the Berkley/Ferndale Unified high school team, the Bloomfield Hills Blackhawks girls’ team and the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, among others.