NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An ice skating rink in a city of just over 20,000 is being nationally recognized.
“From little kids to big kids to grandkids saying this is so special to them,” The Plaza at Gateway Park Executive Director Lizzie Bergstrom said.
Bergstrom said the different amenities available have resulted in a local favorite spot.
Featuring a café, outdoor fire pits and a skating rink, it’s no surprise that the Neenah Plaza was ranked one of the top 10 most charming places in the country for outdoor winter fun.
“I like how you just get to ice skate around and have fun,” Natalie Stoehr said.
Natalie and her father Michael are Neenah residents who can’t get enough of the Plaza.
“I like the Christmas trees — how they’re just in the middle of the rink and it’s kind of like a little obstacle,” Natalie said.
“I like it because it’s local,” Michael said. “It’s downtown Neenah so a lot of us just get to come here and enjoy it. It makes either a perfect date or it’s just nice for little kids who want to have a place to ice skate.”
The recognition came from Best Life Magazine. Bergstrom says it’s an honor to be placed alongside skating rinks like the one at the Rockefeller Center in New York City.
“We were really, really excited when we saw it and last year being our first year, we were learning,” Bergstrom said. “This year it’s still busy, but we feel we have it a little more under control than last year.”
The plaza, which opened in October 2021, was made possible by funding from a group led by Bergstrom Automotive CEO John Bergstrom. Lizzy is his daughter.
She tells FOX 11 it all came together from his desire to do something for his hometown.
“He always thinks of how he can make Neenah a better place for our community and for kids and he’s said, ‘I think an ice rink for the kids of Neenah would be an amazing thing. So, he really did it for the kids.”
The Plaza is open year round with tables, chairs and umbrellas set up for other events from April to October. But families like the Stoehrs plan to take full advantage of the winter months before they’re gone.
“You can stay warm, enjoy hot chocolate and a good atmosphere,” Michael Stoehr said.
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