October 3, 2022 at 2:01 p.m.
Community gathers to celebrate new Hodag Park amphitheater
Community gathers to celebrate new Hodag Park amphitheater
With Boom Lake shining in the background, and an early fall chill in the air, the musical group Bogfoot performed from the newly constructed stage. The new amenity is first in a series of planned improvements to the park, according to city officials.
The event began with remarks from city administrator Zach Vruwink and RCF president Gina Heck.
"In addition to all the things that are happening across the city, road reconstruction, new investments in housing and hotels, hospitality and the like, it's really great to be improving the public assets that our community gets to enjoy whether you're a visitor or a resident of the community," Vruwink said. "Big appreciation to everybody that stepped up to make this project happen."
The process began with the development of a new long-range master plan for future improvements to both Hodag Park and Pioneer Park, it was explained.
After the master plan was approved by the common council in March 2021, MSA Professional Services produced an architectural design for the stage with a distinct Northwoods feel. Construction began in May and included participation from local vendors.
According to Vruwink, Enterprise Wood Products provided some of the materials used to build the stage.
"This wasn't just something we bought and shipped to community," he said. "It was truly a labor of love of the community as a whole to make it happen."
Heck noted that funding for the project was a community endeavor as well.
In addition to the $100,000 pledged by the city, approximately 70 donors contributed to the project, she said.
The lead donors, George and Sondra Juetten, got the ball rolling and many others joined in with donations of anywhere from $25 to much larger figures, she said.
"Although he doesn't live here year-round, his heart is deeply in Rhinelander," Heck said of Juetten. "We're lucky to have George."
The prevailing message of the evening was that the stage is a place where memories will be made.
"This is one of the most beautiful lands in northcentral Wisconsin and we want to make it usable to our community and to those that visit," Heck said. "Clearly, (the stage) is a beautiful amenity and a beautiful setting, however the other part of it is the special moments that are going to be shared here for decades to come. Perhaps you'll hear a band or a concert, watch a performance, attend a ceremony, wedding, celebration, and those will provide some meaningful gatherings of our community and some good fellowship..."
Heck also announced that there is a new fund being facilitated by the Rhinelander Community Foundation. It's called the Rhinelander Cultural Arts Fund and the goal is to grant at least $10,000 a year to art-driven projects for the next several years, she said.
While the stage project is complete, Vruwink said there are more park improvements to come.
The trail behind the stage is set to be improved this year, through a partnership with Oneida County, and the piers are scheduled to be replaced next year, he noted.
"We'll have a lot of reasons for people to come and enjoy this (park)," Vruwink said. "Keep encouraging the city, the alderpersons, mayor to hold events here to make sure this facility gets used."
"This facility is yours to reserve to enjoy for generations to come," he added.
The new amphitheater is reservable and can be used for weddings, gatherings and other special events.
Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].
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