Gliding Through Generations
The Revival of Lewisville’s Skating Rink
For decades, the Lewisville Skating Rink was more than just a place to skate—it was a cornerstone of the community. Opened in the early 1950s, when skating was a national craze, the rink was built through the efforts of the Lions Club and the town coming together. Generations of families laced up their skates, shared laughter, and created lifelong memories on its well-worn surface. But as time passed, the rink began to deteriorate. In an effort to keep it safe for everyone, the Lewisville Park Committee stepped in—with a little help from the Henry County Community Foundation and many others.
Nancy McCullers, a longtime Lewisville resident, remembers carrying her heavy skates as a first grader and skating three nights a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—often with her sisters. “Friday night was the big night,” she recalls. “Everybody just came together and skated. Anyone that skated down there has really fond memories of it. It’s a special thing we have in Lewisville. We wanted to bring it back.”
Determined to restore this historic gathering place, the Lewisville Park Committee applied for a grant to repair and improve the rink. Thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in keeping community traditions alive, the grant provided much-needed funds for resurfacing and structural updates. During the ribbon-cutting celebration, several of the old skaters returned, reminiscing about their time at the rink and celebrating its revival.
“The Foundation has always supported the community very generously,” Nancy explains. “We decided to apply for a grant because we’ve seen their impact on playgrounds, bleachers, and concession stands. It’s great that the Foundation chooses to support parks because smaller towns don’t have a lot of money to keep up with expensive park equipment.”
The revitalization of the skating rink is more than just a renovation—it’s a tribute to the past and a gift to the future. The rink now hosts events every other Friday with music, concessions, and activities for families. Plans for the future include more frequent open skate nights, free skate rentals, additional skates in larger sizes, and further building updates.
Fundraising efforts, including community breakfasts, eclipse-themed events, support from local businesses and organizations, and a matching grant from the Indiana Housing Community Authority also played a crucial role in bringing the rink back to life. Many former skaters who grew up in Lewisville contributed, eager to give back to a place that gave them so many fond memories.
The Henry County Community Foundation is honored to play a part in reviving the places that make our community special. Thanks to the dedication of the Lewisville Park Committee and the generosity of our donors, this cherished landmark will continue to bring people together for years to come.