Ken Nisly sits atop the Zamboni at Miller Sunset Pavilion in Winona Lake, preparing the ice for a public skate session. InkFreeNews photos by Keith Knepp.

By Keith Knepp
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — What began several years ago as a white paper by Kosciusko Leadership Academy students has come to fruition in Winona Lake.

The paper identified the need for an ice skating rink in the Warsaw area. Three subsequent papers by later KLA classes furthered the narrative.

In 2019, Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach and Nick Hauck, managing director of the Village at Winona, were approached to gauge the town’s interest in building the ice rink. Warsaw also had been considered, but plans never materialized. Allebach and Hauck decided it was something that would be beneficial to the town.

“It became part of ‘Imagine 2030,’ Winona Lake’s 10-year comprehensive plan,” said Allebach. “Nick and I started working

Skaters can warm up around the outdoor fireplace, located adjacent to the skating rink.

together to see how we could make it happen. We began meeting with architects and construction people. Later that year, the K21 Foundation made an announcement they would put up at least $1 million to make it happen. We already had a grant proposal in the works, so we finalized it and sent it to K21. We actually asked for $1.8 million for the project, which at the time was estimated at $4 million. Ultimately we were awarded $1.5 million.”

“As we started to work, we wanted to reflect the historical value of this particular property and the Billy Sunday Tabernacle which sat on this footprint,” said Allebach. “The renderings and what it looks like today are similar to what the Tabernacle looked like. We wanted to keep that historical perspective.

“Throughout 2020 and into 2021 we continued the work and went through a fundraising process. We opened Miller Sunset Pavilion Nov. 19 and had over 1,000 people here the first day, which was a free skate.”

Allebach said the town has been working with a management group to operate the ice rink. Many of the employees are Grace College and area high school students. The facility includes skate rentals, lockers, concession stand, restrooms and an outdoor fireplace.

“(Two weeks ago) we started free skating lessons, which was really well received,” Allebach noted. “We had way more people who were interested in the lessons than we had slots for. We also started ‘Stick and Puck’ Wednesdays, which is kind of a hockey night.

“The overall numbers have really been good. We’re really encouraged by the number of people who have been using it. We’ve had a lot of church groups, birthday parties and school groups.”

Winona Lake Town Manager Craig Allebach, left, and Matthew Voss, manager of the skate shop, stand near the check-in desk at the Miller Sunset Pavilion ice rink. Voss said they also are able to provide skate sharpening for personal skates at the facility.

He added the rink is available outside of normal hours for group rentals when staffing is available.

The total cost was $6.5 million, including 300 pairs of skates. The cost was funded through a bond, fundraising and various financial resources of the town. It is also part of a tax increment funding district and is wholly owned by Winona Lake.

The facility will be used year-round, including for concerts, events and wedding receptions. Allebach noted usage ideas include a farmers market and pickleball tournaments.

“The possibilities are endless,” he said. “We’re trying to take it slow and easy. We’ll have more events during ice season as well as in the off-season. It truly will be a year-round facility benefiting the community.

“People are coming from all around the area. I like seeing people learn and have fun. It’s really cool to see all the kids come out, including those who might not have skated before. We also have skate aids that you can walk behind to meet the needs of kids who are learning or maybe have challenges.”

The Miller Sunset Pavilion is open for public skating from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with the exception of hockey from 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays; noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

The Miller Sunset Pavilion sits atop the land that once was home to the Billy Sunday Tabernacle in Winona Lake.