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GOWRIE, Iowa –The idea was hatched back in the 40s as a way to give the youth of Gowrie something to do. 75 years later, that is still the goal of the GYC Gowrie Youth Center Skating Rink.

“This place is just, it’s a staple of the community,” said Kate Peterson, a rink supporter. “I mean kids have been coming here for 75 years, we all came here when we were kids and our kids come here.”

The rink has struggled in recent years after the pandemic hurt finances. Now they are trying to raise $40,000 to help upgrade the rink electrical system.

“Oh it’s, I think it’s important having it going right now it’s a community lifeblood,” said Dave Scott, who’s Mom ran the rink for a time back in the 70s. “It gets everybody to know people at the skating rink because that’s where you communicate.”

“We have the swimming pool for the kids to hang out,” said Corinne Jackson, Rink Manager. “So we’re open in the winter time and the pools open in the summertime for a place for the kids to kind of come and hang out.”

“The pandemic really did hurt and unfortunately, we really need the money to make necessary updates,” said Peterson. “We want to build a shed for storage so we can continue to build and grow.”

The GYC Skating Rink celebration will take place with a carnival on Saturday June 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And there will be a free-will donation skate from 7 to 10 p.m. that night.