News Photo by Julie Riddle Alpena Ramada Manager Kat Gray pauses in the hotel’s recreation dome, which is open to the public on weekends this winter.

ALPENA — The weather outside may be frightful, but, inside, giggling kids in swimsuits chase ping-pong balls, putt their best putts, and hang their feet over warm, toe-tickling water.

In an effort to provide the community with one more way to survive a long, cold winter, Ramada Inn in Alpena is inviting families to come and play.

An expansive recreation dome, wrapped into the middle of the hotel’s guest rooms block, houses a heated swimming pool. On winter weekends, for a nominal per-person fee, fun-seekers can spend an afternoon bobbing, splashing, and pretending it’s summer, according to Kat Gray, manager at Ramada.

Gray decided to open the pool to the community to offer an alternative on chilly winter weekends. The hotel maintains the pretty room year-round, but winter months are usually a slow season for area hotels, so families in need of entertainment might as well use the space, she said.

When they’re not swimming, those stopping by for an afternoon’s fun can play ping-pong, foosball, pool, or miniature golf in the pleasant interior courtyard, softened by oversized street lamps, greenery, and low brick walls. Tables and chairs scattered about the room offer a place to read a book, surf online, or just enjoy sitting for a spell.

Giant Jenga and Connect Four games, brought out when the locals come to play, appeal to children and adults alike, Gray said. Cornhole — in child and adult sizes — is a popular option, as is the snack bar, open during open-pool times and offering reasonably-priced nachos, mozzarella sticks, hot dogs, and other food.

“It’s just a place to get out of the cold and spend the afternoon,” Gray said.

The hotel asks that anyone 18 or younger be accompanied by an adult. Bathrooms are available at one end of the room and can be used for changing, but there are no locker rooms or showers.

Alpena is a great city, but, on really cold days, it can be hard for families to find something to do away from home, Gray said.

The pool has been open on weekends since October, with good attendance each weekend. Gray said she enjoys hearing the laughter of children at play.

“It’s happy noises,” Gray said.

While young ones romp, parents can kick back and read a book or enjoy some well-deserved downtime, she said.

The open-pool times were chosen strategically, fitting in the space between the time most guests check out and when new guests arrive for the evening. Locals who use the space on winter afternoons don’t bother guests, Gray said, and space that would otherwise go to waste is being used, offering a win all around.

Opening the pool to the public is one of several steps the hotel is taking lately to remind the community of its presence as a supportive part of the city for the past 40 years, said Gray, who has been in her position since July.

“As new and shiny come to town, people tend to forget, but we’re still here,” she said.

As the big lake that surrounds Northeast Michigan turns icy-white, the light-blue water inside the hotel sparkles and rolls, the rich with the smell of chlorine and a hint of a summer’s day.

“Come and forget it’s winter,” Gray said.

If you go

∫ WHAT: Open pool afternoons

∫ WHEN: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in winter, plus December 26-30

∫ WHERE: Ramada by Wyndham Alpena Hotel and Conference Center, 1000 U.S.-23 N.

∫ HOW MUCH: $8 per person; ages 5 and younger free

∫ INFO: Bring your own towel!