Come winter, the Weyauwega Swim Lake will turn into an ice skating rink.
The city’s Recreation Committee decided to do so when it met on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
“Let’s try it for a year and see how it goes,” said Ald. Amy DeSantis.
As in past years, the pool will close for the season before the Waupaca County Fair begins. That means the pool will close on Tuesday, Aug. 23.
It was when the closing date was being noted that City Administrator/Clerk Sheryl Scheuermann brought up the idea of making it into an ice skating rink once the colder temperatures arrive.
The committee quickily agreed.
Earlier this week, Scheuermann said that in the past, there have been ice skating rinks behind Weyauwega-Fremont High School and on the ball diamond in the community’s park.
But, to her knowledge, there has never been an ice skating rink at the swim lake.
“The pool will be drained just a few inches so it is below the sidewalk and there is room for expansion of the ice,” she said.
The pool is fenced in, and plans call for the ice skating rink to tentatively be open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk.
“If the fence is open, the facility will be open,” Scheuermann said.
She said when the ice is solid, a notice will be put in the County Post West. When conditions change, and there are safety concerns, the rink will close.
There will be no fee for the public to ice skate there, and the rink will be unsupervised.
Keeping the rink open throughout the winter will take the efforts of other community members.
Scheuermann said the city will be looking for volunteers, such as Scout troops, to assist with clearing snow from the rink. Those interested in helping may contact her at City Hall at 920-867-2630.
“It’s the perfect thing for a troop to do,” she said.
The ice skating rink could be open additional hours in future winters.
“Based on the use and the public response from the winter of 2011-12, the city will consider night-time skating and lighting for following years,” Scheuermann said.