February 22, 2021 at 10:55 a.m.
Community use of Hodag Dome exceeds expectations
Facility averaging 150 people daily; 500 memberships sold
Community use of Hodag Dome exceeds expectations
"I think it's even more than we expected, and maybe that's helped partially by the weather has been so cold that this is the only real option for people that want to walk," Jamison told the River News Thursday.
Jamison said she is pleased with how the community has responded since the 128,000 square facility was officially opened to the public on Feb. 1.
With extended morning and evening hours, the Hodag Dome is proving to be a big hit with the public, she said.
"We just finished open turf time and there were lots of moms with young kids running around kicking balls, there were people playing bocce ball and they brought some community walkers," she said. "We are averaging over 150 visitors a day, we've sold nearly 500 of the facility I.D. passes, and there are people who come here every day that we're open. And sometimes twice, actually."
"There are people eagerly waiting for me in the parking lot some days," she added.
Community education classes have also been a popular offering in the dome. Walking for weight loss and tai chi are already underway and a beginner pickleball class will be starting soon.
The community-oriented events are scheduled around the needs of the high school and middle school physical education classes, Jamison noted.
"We have indoor recess from James Williams Middle School four days a week," she said. "And we're starting to have the smaller events like the library's story time or Cub Scout meetings."
Jamison agreed that the dome is like a big park where what the weather is outside in meaningless.
"It's a beautiful day in the dome every day," she said. "It's like the perfect park, the conditions stay the same, people can enjoy the space doing a lot of different activities all at the same time."
And there is plenty of space for social distancing, and so far the users have followed the rules. There are signs posted that ask people to avoid coming inside the dome if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, and Jamison said people have been good about that.
"People have done a great job keeping their masks on and staying six feet apart," Jamison said. "I've really been pleased with how the public is following those guidelines."
And the dome is already generating rental revenue, playing host to a softball tournament last weekend. Jamison said there are more tournaments to follow.
Jamison said visitors regularly express their gratitude to the school district and private donors who came together to build the long-hoped for facility.
"I can't tell you how many times we've heard community members say how happy they are to have this facility to be able to walk in or play pickleball or do any of the other activities you can't do safely in the winter months," she said.
Hodag Dome Facility I.D. Cards are $15 for residents of the School District of Rhinelander and $40 for those who live outside the boundaries.
For information about what activities are scheduled at the dome, or for information, go to the district website at www.rhinelander.k12.wi.us. The dome link is under the community tab.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at [email protected].
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