Photo from 2022

The Spirit of Pella Placemaking Committee, led by Chair Bob Zylstra, has launched a community initiative to fund the purchase of an ice rink chiller for Caldwell Park.

Zylstra says the Spirit of Pella organization is committed to creating lasting winter memories for future generations.

“When I was a young boy in Pella, many organizations came together to raise funds that allowed me to enjoy various activities around town,” Zylstra shared. “Now, it’s my turn to give back. This project is about investing in our community’s future and providing families with an accessible and enjoyable space to spend time together during the winter months.”

The current ice rink at Caldwell Park depends entirely on the weather, which last winter allowed for just three days of skating. The proposed chiller system, estimated to cost approximately $500,000, would extend the skating season from November through March, as long as temperatures remain below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The organization received a $10,000 grant from the Pella Community Foundation in November to support the effort. Spirit of Pella is seeking donations from residents, ice skating enthusiasts, and corporate sponsors to make this project a reality. Contributions can be made online at spiritofpella.org or by mail at P.O. Box 833, Pella, IA 50219.