Rhinelander school district shares ‘positive update’ on dome repairs

The School District of Rhinelander on May 5 issued a press release with regard to an update on the Hodag Dome repairs.

On March 30, the dome sustained damage and partially deflated from severe weather. It was subsequently deflated in its entirety and the community was forced to wait until snow melted for the company who constructed it, Arizon, to begin repairs.

“The School District of Rhinelander is pleased to share a positive update on the status of the Hodag Dome,” the May 5 press release said. “Last week, the Dome was successfully re-inflated, and the repair process continues to move forward thanks to the incredible teamwork and dedication of many.”

Work from the past several days, the press release said, have consisted of adjusting cables on the dome’s exterior and patching holes. 

“The maintenance team is now focused on patching remaining holes on the inside of the Dome and expects that work to continue through next week,” the press release said. “Additionally, lighting repairs are underway inside the facility, with more lighting to be installed on the tennis court side of the Dome to enhance visibility and safety.”

The press release noted repairs to the tennis courts and track inside the dome will need to be repaired at a later date, “but remain a high priority for completion as soon as possible.”

Arizon, the press release continued, provided a positive report on the dome and the district expressed optimism the venue will be ready for a June 1 graduation ceremony. However, the press release said, a final decision with regard to a graduation ceremony date and time will be made by the end of next week.

“We are incredibly grateful to our School District of Rhinelander maintenance team, the Arizon team, CD Smith, and the City of Rhinelander for their hard work and continued support throughout this process,” superintendent Eric Burke said. “The progress we’ve made is a testament to the power of collaboration and community.”

He thanked the community as well. 

“Thank you to our community for your support and understanding as we work through this challenge,” Burke said. “The Hodag Dome has become such an important resource to our school district and the broader community, and we are committed to restoring it to full use as quickly and safely as possible.”

After the dome partially deflated on March 30, district staff discovered a failure in the facility’s generator system.

The press release said work is ongoing to improve the dome’s “emergency power system.”

“The district maintenance team is actively coordinating with insurance company engineers, as well as representatives from Trane and Wolter, to enhance the reliability of backup power in the event of an outage,” the press release concluded. “The School District of Rhinelander will continue to provide updates as work progresses and will announce the final graduation venue decision by the end of next week.”