In Northern Door County, opportunities for gathering together during the long winter months are few and far between. While summer offers festivals, parks, and events that bring us outdoors, winter can be a time of isolation — especially for families and children. That’s why the new ice rink and warming house will be so much more than just a place to skate. It will be a year–round community hub — a true open–air gathering place where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to connect, play, and build lasting memories

This project is about creating a welcoming space that brings our community to life in every season. In winter, the rink will serve as one of the only public outdoor gathering places in Northern Door where people of all ages can be active, socialize, and enjoy the fresh air. It will be a place where kids can spend hours skating, playing games, and getting exercise, while parents warm up in the shelter and visit with neighbors over a cup of hot cocoa. Whether it’s a pickup game of hockey, a group of children playing tag on skates, or a family teaching their toddler how to glide across the ice for the first time, the rink will be alive with joyful moments and shared experiences.

And the benefits won’t end when the snow melts. In the summer months, the ice rink surface will be transformed into pickleball courts, making this a truly year–round resource. Pickleball is one of the fastest–growing sports in America, beloved by all ages for being fun, easy to learn, and highly social. Our rink–turned–courts will provide much–needed recreational space for adults, seniors, and kids alike to enjoy healthy activity in the summer sun.

Beyond structured games, the rink’s flat surface will also offer kids a safe, open place to play — whether they’re riding scooters, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or inventing games with friends. In a community where access to recreational facilities can be limited, this multi–use space will provide endless opportunities for free, active play all year long.

By supporting the construction of this new outdoor ice rink and warming house, you’re helping build something much greater than a skating surface. You’re helping create a vibrant, inclusive space where our community can come together — through winter storms and summer sunshine alike. This will be a place where memories are made, friendships are built, and the spirit of our community shines brightest. Let’s make it happen — together.