The City of Whitewater’s Parks and Recreation board had a full agenda Oct. 15 as they discussed the future of the community’s ice rink, changes to the recreation program’s fee policy, open gym at the Old Armory, and a memorial bench installation.
Big Brick Parks ice rink was a major point of discussion. Last year, maintenance cost the city about $3,200 and it was not open for one day. In 2023, the cost of maintenance was estimated to be the same and was only open every three days, being attributed to the winters in Wisconsin not being as strong as they had previously been.
It was recommended that a new rink be constructed that will cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
“I recommend we skip this year, and if it’s a huge community concern, maybe we look at some artificial ice which would probably be a costly $20,000 investment,” Parks and Recreation director Kevin Boehm said.
Artificial ice rinks are starting to become more prominent in Wisconsin as they last longer and can still be used with normal ice skates. Community members’ overall interest in the ice rink will help determine any decisions before they are finalized.
The board reviewed the recreation fee policy, deciding to lower the non-resident rate increase from 25 percent to 10 percent, aligning with surrounding communities. An all inclusive aquatic and fitness membership costs roughly $747 and instead of the 10 percent increase, it will be decreased by 10 percent for residents. The different types of memberships are free, annual paid in full and annual split, which is called a monthly draft. There will be a 25 percent increase for the month-to-month rate that is currently being charged.
“Maybe to keep it simple, we keep the pay of the month the same and offer the 13th month free as long as they pay consistently,” chairperson Steve Ryan said.
The recreation program was noted to offer different types of sales and discounts throughout the year.
Since the early 1980s, the Old Armory has been used as an open gym for adult basketball traditionally being held on Tuesdays and Sundays. A year ago, issues arose regarding people not being able to play due to exclusion by friend groups, leading to the open gym being reevaluated in the fall. As emails have started to come in from the two groups, it has been decided that the open gym will not be reopened unless it is stacked with participants and generates enough revenue for a staff person to be there. Ultimately, the program is a work in progress and the board is looking for ways to better protect the space as well as the building. However, the youth gym has been successful since its launch last year. It is free to register and open to all kids 17 and under.
The city of Whitewater was recognized by the National Recreation and Parks Association and received a grant to research older adults and intergenerational programming.
“They wanted to know about intergenerational programming that we offer, some of the limitations, and to speak with some of the seniors about what they like in the program as well as difficulties,” adult program coordinator Jennifer Jackson said.
Whitewater is in the first portion of the research study and the NRPA is currently going into their second portion, implementing programs in different areas for intergenerational programming.
A new memorial bench will be installed in honor of community member James (Jim) Allen Nov. 6, 2025, at 5 p.m. at Trippe Lake Park. The city is coordinating with Allen’s friends and family to attend as well as encouraging the community to show up and support and share it with as many people as possible.
