June 11, 2020 at 3:28 p.m.
HSF surpasses goal for dome, complex
HSF surpasses goal for dome, complex
"In these uncertain times, we are thrilled to provide positive news," HSF president Dave Heck said in a press release announcing the organization's goal has been reached. "We are so thankful to all donors that made this happen. In addition, we are grateful for the School Board and Administration commitment to make this investment for the future of Rhinelander. Mike Roberts has done a great job on the capital projects design, and Ron Counter and fellow school board members have provided leadership to help this become a reality. We thank Brian Paulson, D.J. DeMeyer and softball including Tim Musson, and also thank Superintendent Kelli Jacobi for her help on this project and congratulate Kelli on her retirement. As she moves into retirement, the dome complex will also be a great springboard for the new superintendent, Eric Burke, to help take Rhinelander to another level."
The sports complex project was jump-started in 2019 by a $500,000 donation from Dr. Lee Swank and family who were looking for a way to help local student-athletes whose practice schedules are often hampered by cold weather. Last June, the school board voted to spend up to $5.7 million, on top of the private donations, to build a dome for indoor practices, competitions and other community uses.
The complex is scheduled to open in September 2020 and promises to be game-changer for the community as it continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
"HSF envisions these improvements to be similar to what happened in 1958 when the high school was built, which helped Rhinelander emerge as an educational leader in the state," the release states. "HSF has issued several press releases in the past 18 months since Dr. Lee Swank's generous gift initiated the project, and there will be additional (announcements) in the next few months. HSF sincerely thanks all donors mentioned in past press releases, and the School District has provided naming right opportunities. HSF is also grateful for all private donations. The Dr. Lee Swank donor wall in the new complex will list the names of donors gifting $1,000 and above."
The permanent dome structure will be one of a kind, and it will be up year round and able to provide substantial benefits for students, the community, and the economy of northern and central Wisconsin, the release notes.
"In our research, Ron Counter, Mike Roberts, Brian Paulson and I took several tours viewing facilities," Heck explained. "After visiting a Dome in Minneapolis, we got in the car and were in absolute awe of what a facility of this type could do for our community. And not just for activities. In fact, the first thing the principal said from the district we visited was how much of a mental health improvement they saw in kids due to being able to see green grass and increased light. Instead of being stuck inside during the cold and dark in the winter with electronics, kids can play, get active, learn and use these facilities."
Mike Roberts, HSF board member and school board member, concurred.
"We found that a permanent dome structure is much more cost effective than a metal building," he said. "It can be much larger yet be more efficient, addressing space needs. The space will allow us to host tournaments and trade shows, providing incredible civic use, and help for students.The Hodag Dome will greatly help in all forms of activities, learning, involvement, and benefit the community."
HSF also provided a list of other benefits the complex is expected to provide. It is as follows:
• The Hodag Dome will provide community space for students, the community, and senior citizens in our area. Exercise and engagement of students shows a direct link between academic success and better cognitive skills, and improved mental health.
• Previously, students had to practice until 10 p.m. at night or travel to other communities to practice. The Hodag Dome will help reduce the challenges of year- round practice and competition, which in turn provides more family time and opportunities for activity success.
• The Hodag Dome will provide facility space for community events for trade shows, community gatherings, public events, and so many more benefits utilizing this space.
• The Hodag Dome will provide many cost benefits that are substantially less than a seasonal dome or a metal building. In addition, the Hodag Dome provides the ability to be divided into smaller areas, so several groups can utilize it simultaneously.
• The Hodag Dome complex will be the largest high school dome in the country with 128,000+ square feet.
In addition, the Hodag Dome will be one of the largest domes in all of North America, and in the top 10% of the entire world to include turf for soccer, football, track, pole vaulting, baseball, softball, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, basketball and seasonal gymnastics.
• The Hodag Dome will be the largest permanent dome in multiple states - and one of the few that can host softball or soccer tournaments inside in the winter months, while also hosting tennis meets and other community events.
• The Hodag Dome Complex offers many improvements outside with softball fields, a baseball field, and practice fields. In the past, the land behind the high school had water drainage issues and was not used year round. Now the considerable land the school district has will be efficiently utilized for the outdoor space.
Heck believes the new space will benefit all students and the entire community.
"Most schools we have seen have much more inside dedicated space for students for learning and activities, Rhinelander never did until now," he explained. "Thus, it will truly help Rhinelander students. However, it will also benefit our community since many other schools, groups, and teams have inquired about facility use. Economically, it is estimated that these improvements will bring in over $1 million annually to our area from restaurants, hotels, movie theatre, gas station, and the like. Rhinelander, 'the Hub of the Northwoods', will likely see a dramatic improvement in economic progress with these facilities. This will not only help students but also attract and retain families and businesses. Economic, social and health challenges are driving people across the country to ask themselves where they want to live, move, or stay; the Hodag Dome will be a great asset for people to consider Rhinelander as their destination for learning, activity and community in the future. It will be amazing and truly differentiate and help Rhinelander."
Brian Paulson, board member of HSF and district activities director, echoed Heck.
"We have heard from districts and teams throughout the state of how this is great for Rhinelander - and they want to be part of it," he said. "Already, we have scheduled a 12-team invitation for wrestling in December, a possible 17-team tournament for softball in March, and April softball/soccer tournaments. This is only a start - we have had colleges contact us to use this facility. Because there is nothing like this anywhere close, this will not only benefit our students and community, but will draw in visitors to support Rhinelander's economy."
"With the COVID issues and economic hardships, we all need positive news and the timing of these improvements will provide Rhinelander a great benefit," added school board president Ron Counter. "In addition, we feel this will help enrollment trends, which in turn, bring in more state aid to our District. The Hodag Dome will also help attract and retain teachers - as we improve enrollment, additional state aid can help in teacher pay versus our peers. We have already seen interest from teachers outside the area and want to always attract and retain the best teachers to help our students and community."
HSF and the school district are planning an open house/dome dedication in the fall and are excited to provide a positive and incredible benefit and asset to the community, the release continues.
"Yet, even with all of these great improvements, there is still room to make progress. In relation to the sports courts, which can interchange court surfaces between basketball, volleyball, and tennis; the total costs have not been fully funded in the original bid. Therefore, HSF is still raising money to help the District. Donors providing $1,000 and up are able to get their name on the donor wall and help fund these court improvements. Further, indoor golf improvements are being discussed. If you are interested in helping fund these additional improvements, please contact HSF."
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