Ahmeek Ice Rink Fund
Outdoor Recreation for All - Build the Boards
Thanks to the generosity of the community, local businesses, and local philanthropy, the Keweenaw Community Foundation is happy to announce the goal of raising $100,000 has been met!
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.
Aerial view of the Email Aho Memorial (Ahmeek) Ice Rink and playground area
Photo courtesy of Tom Hyrkas
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!
Recreation Details
Youth participating in ice hockey during open hours at the Ahmeek Ice Rink
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/
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.
Build the Boards Project
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+ 
thank you for supporting the ahmeek ice rink!
Thank you to all the generous donors, especially to those who wish to remain anonymous. The donor list was last updated on May 8, 2024.
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      - 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 
 
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      - 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 
 
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      - Leveque Agency 
- U.P. Engineers and Architects 
- Copper Country Old Timers Hockey 
- Deborah Baer 
- Anna and Jack Mendelin 
- Cheryl and Ace Laurie 
- Mark Gregorich 
- Calumet Sportsman Club 
 
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      Cementation (Eagle Mine) Erkkila Forest Products The Harjalas Paul and Kathy Malnar CLK VFW Doug Anderson Logging Lac La Belle Sportsman Club Calumet Wolverines Nate and Leah Polzein Karen (Turnquist) Foster Steve and Sherry Outinen (In memory of Jill Outinen) James and Sandra Vaupel Lindsey (Piche) Barkow Scott and Jeannie Patrick Kelly Ryan Greg and Cassi Kingstrom Superior National Bank (Hancock) · James Dube ·Nick and Jes Bracco Family Yeo Family Pat and Anna Roche (In memory of John Theiler) John Kaura Joanie Hinsa (In memory of Gordan and Lillian Bennetts) Copper Ingot Post Heron Foundatio 
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      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 and David Frederickson Julie Kent (In honor of Nick Kent) Max and Kate Hardy Jim Stimac Gary and 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 and Debra Talvensaari Mary (Tulpo) Fleming Teri Haataja Ruth and Karl Parks Eric Rasmussan (In memory of Scott Laurie) Mike and Elizabeth Bjorn Steve and Sue Hainault Mary Kay and Dan Grabig (In honor of Addy and Mason Erkkila) 
 
          
        
       
              
             
              
             
              
             
              
             
                