The Alyson Dudek International Ice Center

In December of 2013, an Olympic-sized outdoor skating rink named for Alyson Dudek will open in Hales Corners Park, where friends and family of the community can skate for free.

Dudek, an Olympic speed skater and resident of the Hales Corners community, was the inspiration for the installation of this rink. 

“Many years ago Hales Corners had a public rink in Hales Corners Park, but the county couldn’t fund it anymore so we wanted to have an open skating area once again," committee member Robert Stollenwerk said. "Since Aly Dudek is an Olympic bronze medal speed skater who lives in Hales Corners, we would name it after her.”

In order to complete the project, a total of $150,000 must be raised through fundraisers. Upcoming fundraisers include a NFL draft party at the Hales Corners pool, an ice rink night at the Hales Corners' Chipotle, an aluminum can collection, and even a used electronics collection. Stollenwerk says through previous fundraising events, nearly $40,000 has been raised to build the community’s new skating rink.

This new rink will benefit the local community in many ways.

“It’ll be open free skating for all people in the community and surrounding communities which will provide good exercise and a family event," Stollenwerk said.

Stephanie Parfitt, a local member of the community agreed.

"I think the new rink will benefit the community because it will give the residents of Hales Corners another place to get together and come together as a community,” she said.

It’s nice that through Dudek’s accomplishments the community is able to come together and celebrate with a new ice rink.