AirPro contributes to Hodag Park projects

A local company with a global reach is giving back to the community in the form of a generous contribution to the City of Rhinelander’s planned improvements to Hodag Park.

The Rhinelander Community Foundation (RCF) recently received a donation of $15,000 from AirPro Fan and Blower Company that will directly benefit the Hodag Park Improvement Fund. The funds are earmarked for the development of a new playground and splash pad at the park, according to an RCF press release.

“AirPro, an established leader in manufacturing industrial fans and blowers, has been a proud member of the Rhinelander community since its founding in 2002,” the release states. “Serving clients across the globe, the company’s commitment to giving back to its local area is evident through this significant donation.”

The donation was formally presented to the Rhinelander Community Foundation by AirPro President Keith White Jr. at a ceremony held at AirPro’s headquarters. 

The planned enhancements to Hodag Park, including a new playground and splash pad, aim to create an exciting, modern space for families and visitors to enjoy, in alignment with RCF’s mission to support community growth and well-being, the release states.

The playground and splash pad projects were announced in April 2024.

Brandon Karaba of the Rhinelander Kiwanis Club gave a presentation to the Rhinelander Common Council outlining the club’s plans to build a new 13,000 square foot playground and add a 3,000 square foot splash pad to the city’s marquee park on the shores of Boom Lake.

At the time, Karaba noted that the club had already raised approximately $780,000 (including a $20,000 donation from the club itself) of the estimated  $1.6 million price tag.

The new playground is to replace the existing 30-year-old play equipment and includes a number special features designed to appeal to a wide variety of children. Similarly, the “flow-through” splashpad is also meant to be enjoyed by children of various ages with the city in control of the water flow rate and hours of operation.

More information on the Hodag Park projects can be found on the Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page. To learn more about RCF or to make a donation, visit rhinelandercommunityfoundation.com.