Mt. Lebanon residents debated building an ice rink in 1949, going as far as putting the issue up for a referendum, which was voted down. Discussion began again in the 1970s, eventually paving the way for a recreation complex to be situated in Mt. Lebanon Park, housing two ice rinks, community rooms and a swimming pool, which would replace the existing pool, built in the 1930s. Commissioners voted for a $4.1 million bond issue to finance the project. Mt. Lebanon broke ground for the recreation center in 1976, and the building opened in 1977.