Iowa Wild, Wells Fargo construct free community ice rink in DMACC’s Legacy Plaza

Mellisa Brandt, of Newton, has two kids who love to lace up their ice skates and who couldn’t wait to try them out on the new public rink in their hometown.

It’s an activity they’ve enjoyed for more than a year. With her son Gabriel Amador in hockey and daughter Grace Amador interested in figure skating, Brandt is convinced her family will be making frequent visits to the new community rink located on the west side of the Legacy Plaza courtyard in Newton.

“They’re definitely going to use this, because every time we want to skate we have to go to Des Moines,” Brandt said, noting Iowa’s metro area isn’t too far a drive. “But you gotta plan it … That’s why it’s nice to be like, oh, there’s some place I can go and take them without planning it.”

Two new community ice skating rinks funded by the Iowa Wild hockey team and Wells Fargo — which measure 80-by-40 feet and will be open as long as the weather permits and the ice remains frozen — were unveiled to the public on Jan. 13 in Newton and Altoona.

The two entities have been introducing local ice rinks to communities for almost six years. As a result of the partnership, publicly available ice rinks have been constructed in several Iowa communities, including: Ahrens Parks, Ames, Ankeny, Indianola, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines.

Iowa Wild President Todd Frederickson said in a Jan. 8 press release that the organization is “extremely proud” to announce the continuation and expansion of its community rinks program. With the Iowa Wild’s latest expansion, the hockey organization is now up to 10 total community rinks.

“We began this journey in 2016 with the unveiling of our first-ever community rink at Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines with the goal of spreading our love for the game of hockey with local communities throughout the Des Moines metro and state of Iowa as a whole,” Frederickson said.

Wells Fargo Regional Bank Director Marta Codina said the company is thrilled to once again team up with the Iowa Wild to provide to help local communities.

“This program is a natural extension of our ongoing partnership with the Wild, and we’re happy to help offer more opportunities for Central Iowans to enjoy outdoor activities with their family and friends,” Codina said in a statement. “We can’t wait for all the wonderful memories that will be made at this new locations.”

Gezellig Brewing Co., which is located within a short walking distance of the skating rink, released a new beer to commemorate the recently added rink. Fittingly named “Skate On,” the double IPA is full of Sabro, Strata and Mosaic hops that its brewers say will “be sure to make you attempt a triple axel.”

Rob Denson, president of DMACC, said it was an “unbelievable opportunity” to have the Newton campus feature an ice skating rink at Legacy Plaza, which is owned by the community college. Denson lauded Legacy Plaza as a economic destination and event destination for people throughout Iowa.

“This rink and the Iowa Wild’s commitment is greatly appreciated,” Denson said at the Jan. 13 ribbon cutting. “This is something for all kinds of individuals to enjoy, for families to come here. It’s never been more important to be outside, be healthy and have fun. If you’re going to do that you need to come to Newton.”

DMACC Board President Joe Pugal said in a statement the community college continues to appreciate all the partnerships that supporting Legacy Plaza project.

“The gift of a community ice skating rink from the Iowa Wild and Wells Fargo organizations helps bring to life another community feature that DMACC students, residents and visitors from all over will enjoy at Legacy Plaza as this campus once again becomes a thriving part of Newton and the state,” he said.

Hockey skating hours at the DMACC Legacy Plaza Rink are from dawn to noon. Open skating will be held noon to 10 p.m.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com