In today’s screen–filled world, it’s becoming harder and harder for kids to simply be kids. With smartphones in their pockets, tablets on their laps, and video games that can be played for hours without pause, children are spending more time indoors and less time engaged in the kind of free, active play that is so essential to their health and development. That’s why we believe building a new ice rink and warming house in our community is about so much more than just skating — it’s about giving our kids a chance to reconnect with the joy of outdoor play.
An ice rink isn’t just a slab of frozen water. It’s a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and imaginations run wild. It’s a rare kind of space where children can put down their phones, step away from screens, and experience the exhilaration of movement, the laughter of unplanned games, and the simple beauty of winter.
The Village of Sister Bay has seen a remarkable influx of young families since 2010 with the population of children under 5 years old growing from 22 to 106 by 2020, and the population under 18 nearly doubling in that time. Yet there are fewer spaces for young people to gather in Northern Door today than there were 25 years ago. With the ice rink, we’re adding a place to gather and a place to get active.
Physical activity is crucial for growing bodies, and ice skating is a fun, low–cost way to get kids moving. Skating builds strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health — all while kids are having so much fun, they barely realize they’re exercising. In a world where childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles are becoming the norm, an ice rink offers a natural, exciting alternative that promotes wellness and an active lifestyle.
But it’s not just about physical health. Outdoor skating encourages unstructured play, which is a key ingredient in childhood development. Unlike organized sports with rigid rules and adult supervision, skating in a public rink gives kids the chance to create their own games, make up the rules, and work through the social dynamics of playing together. This kind of imaginative, self–directed play helps children develop creativity, problem–solving skills, and emotional resilience.
By investing in a new ice rink and warming house, we’re not just building a facility — we’re creating a space for kids to disconnect from devices and reconnect with what matters most: movement, imagination, friendship, and the great outdoors. Let’s give our children the gift of winter play. Let’s build something that will serve generations to come.