As the cold weather approaches, it’s important for the community to get into the spirit of winter and the holiday season. Valpo Parks and the Valpo Parks Foundation held their annual First Skate event to soak in the icy atmosphere.
The First Skate is a fundraiser that the Valpo Parks Foundation organizes near the end of every year. It allows people to come in from Valparaiso and other local communities to support the organization with a night to remember.
“It’s always a fun time because it’s the true beginning of our winter activities,” said Kevin Nuppnau, parks director. “The last few days have really helped get people more in the mindset of winter weather. Anytime the door is open, people are quick to get in line to spend time on the ice skating rink at Central Park.”
The support of the Valpo Parks Foundation helps raise funds for the department to improve the community with every new project or event. The First Skate had a lot for attendees to look forward to.
“We have a family-friendly session and a later session that’s a bit more adult-friendly,” Nuppnau said. “There’s plenty of food, DJ music, hot chocolate, and a few other amenities to keep people excited throughout the night.”
Nuppnau believes that having the skating rink at Central Park under the William E. Urshell Pavilion has been a great success for Valpo Parks, the Valparaiso community, and visitors who come downtown during the winter season.
“This place in particular brings people together, whether it's in the summer or the winter,” Nuppnau said. “This event gives people an opportunity to come here, meet new friends, spend time with family, and enjoy the park. We’re fortunate to have a beautiful ice rink like this one downtown.”
Valpo Parks takes pride in being able to host events that can bring the community together, give them unique opportunities, and allow people to network with one another all in the same space.
“The opening of the ice skating rink really kicks off our winter activities to follow, especially downtown,” Nuppnau said. “We’ll light the Christmas tree, host Winter Fest at the end of November, and have a few more events for the holidays. The foundation is excited to be the partner in providing events like this one to the community.”
The sponsors for the First Skate event include Buffalo Wild Wings, Greiger Motor Sales, and Powers Health.
“We wouldn’t be able to do the great things we get to do without the support of sponsors,” Nuppnau said. “We’re thankful for the three organizations who helped sponsor this First Skate event. We also have more than 20 foundation partners that support all of our events including this one. It’s a collaborative effort and we’re grateful for all the helping hands.”
The Valpo Parks team is excited to bring the ice skating season back to residents in the Region. They can’t wait to see both veteran and first-time members of the rink come together for many exhilarating winter days to come.
For more information about Valpo Parks, you can visit its website.
