Ahmeek Ice Rink Fund

History

The Emil Aho Memorial Ice Rink, also known as the Ahmeek Ice Rink, was founded in 1984. Before the official start of the ice rink, local families would flood their own rink with a nearby fire hydrant to participate in winter ice activities like skating and hockey. The community decided to dedicate a safer space for the community’s love of winter sports.

The current Ahmeek Ice Rink facility and board systems were installed in 1992 and have been repaired multiple times since installation. The most recent updates were conducted in 2019 when board sheeting was received from the Calumet Colosseum following their board system upgrades. Unfortunately, these boards were not created for outdoor rink use, and have deteriorated due to weather conditions. A team of dedicated community volunteers has convened to address the need to build new boards and upgrade the area to allow for recreation and community use for years to come!

Build the Boards Project

Fundraising goal of raising $100,000 to replace the boards has been met as of May 2024!

DONOR RECOGNITION

For Nickel, Bronze, Silver and Gold level donors, the name of the individual or business will be highlighted on a small name plate (1 inch by 3 inch) on a large donor board inside the ice rink facility. For Copper level donors, the name of the individual or business will be highlighted with an individualized engraved plaque (5 inch by 7 inch) in the facility. Named donors and sponsorships will also be displayed on the KCF website!

Levels of Support:

• Nickel - Under $199

• Bronze - $200-499

• Silver - $500-999

• Gold - $1000-4999

• Copper - $5000+

Recreation Details

The Ahmeek Ice Rink is one of several recreational sites owned by Allouez Township. The rink is run and maintained year-round by a group of enthusiastic and committed volunteers. While there is a small playground next to the rink, the space is most often used in the winter months (December- February) as community members engage in ice skating and hockey. The facility is open daily during the winter to allow skaters to tie their skates, warm up, use restrooms, and enjoy a treat from the concession stand. During peak season, the facility is open for more than 60 hours per week for ice skating and 30 hours per week for public hockey.

During off-season months, the empty rink is used for other activities to keep the community engaged in fun and healthy outdoor recreation. Including rollerblading and road hockey, the outdoor space can accommodate various types of physical activities and sports. In the future, volunteers hope to add more recreation options like pickleball.

Learn more about recreation options in the area on the Allouez Township website: https://alloueztwp.com/directory/ahmeek-location-playground/

IN THE NEWS

WLUC: Keweenaw Ice Rink Seeks Community Support

Keweenaw Report: Residents Comes Together to Fix the Ahmeek Ice Rink

Donate

We sincerely thank the community members, local businesses, and philanthropic organizations for all the support that has been received for the Ahmeek Ice Rink! The goal of raising $100,000 has been met, and the Foundation is no longer accepting donations for this cause. To continue to support the Ahmeek Ice Rink, please direct your donations to Allouez Township.

thank you for supporting the ahmeek ice rink!

List of donors is updated bi-weekly. Last Updated: May 8, 2024

Thank you to all the generous donors, and a special thank you to those who wish to remain anonymous.

Copper Level — $5,000 & ABOVE

Keweenaw Health Foundation · Keweenaw Terminal, Inc. · James A. Ruppe Foundation ·

DeMarois Logging, Inc. · Laurie Hamlin ·

Pat’s Foods · CLK Youth Hockey Fund (KCF), in memory of Joel Tuoriniemi · Mr. Philip E. Ruppe (In memory of Paul Coppo) ·

Copper Shores Community Health Foundation ·

Gold Level — $1,000 - $4,999

David Wiitanen & Slim McLean Memorial Youth Hockey Fund (KCF) · Kellogg Youth Endowment Fund (KCF) · Jim Paull ·

Lassila Insurance Agency, Inc. · Royale, Inc. · IncredibleBank · Center Ice · Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition ·

Silver Level — $500 - $999

Leveque Agency · U.P. Engineers and Architects · Copper Country Old Timers Hockey · Deborah Baer ·

Anna & Jack Mendelin · Cheryl & Ace Laurie · Mark Gregorich · Calumet Sportsman Club ·

Bronze Level — $200-$499

Cementation (Eagle Mine) · Erkkila Forest Products · The Harjalas · Paul & Kathy Malnar ·

CLK VFW · Doug Anderson Logging · Lac La Belle Sportsman Club · Calumet Wolverines · Nate & Leah Polzein ·

Karen (Turnquist) Foster · Steve & Sherry Outinen (In memory of Jill Outinen) · James & Sandra Vaupel ·

Lindsey (Piche) Barkow · Scott & Jeannie Patrick · Kelly Ryan · Greg & Cassi Kingstrom · Superior National Bank (Hancock) ·

James Dube · Nick & Jes Bracco Family · Yeo Family · Pat & Anna Roche (In memory of John Theiler) ·

John Kaura · Joanie Hinsa (In memory of Gordan & Lillian Bennetts) · Copper Ingot Post · Heron Foundation ·

Nickel Level — $199 & under

Victoria Boggs · Ron Mortti · Michelle Jeannotte · Darren Bausano · Roger Somero ·

Pam Nelson · Jamie Hella · Savanna Weber · Adrien Buzzo · Sue Peterson · Nick Patrick ·

Koppers Performance Chemicals - Hubbell Plant · Northern Mutual Insurance Co. · Robert Mikkola · Linda & David Frederickson ·

Julie Kent (In honor of Nick Kent) · Max & Kate Hardy · Jim Stimac · Gary & Joyce O'Connell ·

Ken Rowe · Randy and Lauren Rastello · Robert Sastamoinen (In memory of Mervin) · Mary Flemming ·

Kathy St. Germain (In memory of Kelly Aho) · Paul Myers · Steve Schulte · Eva Loyd ·

Tom & Debra Talvensaari · Mary (Tulpo) Fleming · Teri Haataja · Ruth & Karl Parks ·

Eric Rasmussan (In memory of Scott Laurie) · Mike & Elizabeth Bjorn ·

Steve & Sue Hainault · Mary Kay & Dan Grabig (In honor of Addy & Mason Erkkila) ·