MANKATO, MN (September 10, 2013)—Mankato Area Foundation announced their gift today of a skating rink to the City of Mankato. The rink will be an addition to Sibley Park and will be made of a synthetic material allowing it to be operational during our winter months- regardless of the weather and varying temperatures.

This new attraction will be named the Mary Dotson Skating Rink in memory of Mary Katherine Dotson who maintained a skating rink at “Dotson Park” across from her family’s home in West Mankato for over 50 years. Mary, or Grandma Dotson, is remembered by generations of neighborhood children who recall her passion for providing a fun activity for local families during the long winter months.

The Mary Dotson Skating Rink will be a feature attraction during the Kiwanis Holiday Lights display and exhibits Mankato Area Foundation’s ongoing support of the community project. The rink, however, will be maintained throughout January.

“Like the original neighborhood rink, the Mary Dotson Skating Rink will focus on recreational skating and we hope area children and their families will visit Sibley Park and take advantage of this new attraction,” stated Bryan Sowers, Mankato Area Foundation board chair. “We are thrilled to honor Mary by donating this state of the art rink to the City of Mankato. This is a great example of the work the Foundation is able to accomplish when generous donors leave a legacy to our community. The Dotson Family has a long history of philanthropy in this community and we are pleased to use their designated fund to support this project.”

“I am very pleased we can honor my mother in this way,” commented Denny Dotson, Mary’s son. She cared deeply for children and loved parks and skating rinks. Adding this new rink to a jewel of a park like Sibley is such a wonderful way to celebrate her life and her passions.”

The Mankato Area Foundation is your community foundation, connecting philanthropic interests with community needs since 1974 and enriches the quality of life in Greater Mankato through its various grant making programs. Over the past 40 years, the Mankato Area Foundation has committed nearly $3,000,000 in grants and scholarships to local organizations and students. To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact in our community visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.