Door County is a beloved summer destination, drawing tourists from near and far to enjoy our natural beauty, charming shops, and vibrant cultural scene. But when the warm weather fades, so too does the steady stream of visitors. Winters here are quiet — too quiet — for our local businesses that depend on a year–round economy to survive and thrive. That’s why the construction of a quality outdoor ice rink and warming house is not only an investment in recreation and community well–being —it’s also a strategic economic development opportunity that will help breathe new life into our off–season.

The new rink with its refrigerated surface will be open all winter, creating a weather–proof attraction from Thanksgiving through February. The new rink opens up a four–month window to host youth and adult hockey tournaments, figure skating exhibitions, and recreational skating events, serving as a magnet for visitors during the “slow season.” From November through March, these visitors will need places to stay, dine, and shop.

The Door County Pond Hockey Tournament proved that people will flock to Door County for winter attractions, drawing 50 teams and 400 players to the area to stay in hotels, dine at local restaurants, and stock up at grocery stores and gas stations. With guaranteed ice this tournament and more can do this throughout the winter.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway, or families just looking to get out of the house can head up to Northern Door knowing a weekend of outdoor fun is guaranteed, regardless of whether there is snow on the ground.

But this isn’t just about visitors. It’s also about vitality. A year–round facility like this ice rink helps keep our town vibrant, giving locals a reason to stay active and engaged in the winter and providing businesses with a more consistent customer base. When downtown storefronts stay open through the off–season and restaurant dining rooms stay lively year–round, it lifts the entire community.

By supporting the construction of this ice rink, you’re not just funding a place for kids to skate. You’re investing in our local economy, helping our businesses stay strong year—round, and turning winter into an opportunity for growth. Together, we can create a space that fuels both community spirit and economic resilience — one skate stride at a time.