July 20, 2021 at 9:28 a.m.
Council approves concept for performance stage at Hodag Park
Council approves concept for performance stage at Hodag Park
City administrator Zach Vruwink passed out a rendering of the proposed stage drafted by an architect with MSA Professional Services.
"I'm pleased to reach the stage where we have some form of visual concept with renderings associated with it," he said, noting that the design "lends itself to get line of sight through the structure."
"Being that it's on lakefront or riverfront, you really want to have as much visibility (as possible) through the structure," Vruwink explained. "At the same time, one of the pieces the feedback we've gotten from performers and musicians is that it's a windy place at times. So, if were going to have events, if it's the community band and they have sheet music, you don't want that stuff blowing around."
A potential solution to this issue is a "barn door concept" which would allow for a temporary barrier from the elements, when necessary, he added.
He also noted that the concept is for the stage to have a "Northwoods" feel to it.
"The structure would be finished in such a way that it looks like timber on the underside" with "a logging kind of feel to it," he explained.
Alderman Tom Barnett said he was impressed with the rendering.
"I was just looking at it and I think it's actually quite beautiful," he said. "It's very modern looking, which I like. I like the fact that it's got the barn-door style where you can close it up if it does get windy. It appears to me that the roof being narrow on one side and wider toward the front lends to the acoustics, almost like a big megaphone blasting that music out. I'm all in favor of this. I say go for it."
In response to a question posed by city council president Ryan Rossing, Vruwink also noted that the images have been shared with potential donors and interested stakeholders and the reaction has been positive.
The discussion ended with a unanimous vote to approve the concept.
The addition of a performance stage/amphitheater is one of several improvements to the park included in the Hodag Park Master Plan approved by the council in March following a multi-year process that involved the gathering of input from numerous stakeholders.
After approving the plan, the expressed a desire to see work begin as soon as possible. To that end, the city has pledged $100,000 to the project. In addition, thanks to a generous contribution from an anonymous donor, the Rhinelander Community Foundation (RCF) is facilitating community support by matching the first $100,000 in donations to the Hodag Park Improvement Fund. This non-endowed Fund was established at RCF in 2015 by the James E. Cleary Foundation in order to facilitate lasting support for the park, according to an RCF press release.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Hodag Park Improvement Fund, checks should be made payable to the Rhinelander Community Foundation with "Hodag Park Improvement Fund" written in the memo line and mailed to:
Rhinelander Community Foundation
PO Box 1523
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Instructions for online giving can be found at www.rhinelandercommunityfoundation.com
Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].
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