The sum of $4 million is a lot to ask from people, but the committee charged with raising these funds promises the results will be worth every penny to the community of Rice Lake.
The Boys & Girls Clubs and Rice Lake Aquatic & Recreation Center have combined forces to build a Community Center complex focused on promoting the health of people of all ages in the Rice Lake community.
The project began with the planning and construction of a brand-new Aquatics Center featuring two pools to replace the aging Community Swimming Pool next to Hilltop Elementary School. It is slated to be completed this January.
The transference of the deed of the old swimming pool building from the city to the school district has paved the way for a second phase of the project — a brand-new Boys and Girls Club clubhouse and recreation center — to start after the Aquatics Center phase wraps up.
But demolishing old swimming pool building and constructing a new clubhouse and recreation center with playing courts, a second-floor walking track, classrooms, and dining and kitchen areas will take money.
“This is going to take a very generous community to come up with $4 million,” said Randy Cook, a member of the capital campaign committee.
But the goal is to work with the entire community, said Lori Zahrbock, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs who also is a member of the committee.
The benefits to the community to have a Community Center such as the one envisioned are wide-ranging and far-reaching. They include programs and activities that address mental and physical health, combat negative influences such as substance abuse, and provide children a safe place to grow, learn and socialize.
“I think we all see that our next generation hides behind their technology, they don’t communicate as much, we really need them to be using their words and talking and being in front of people,” Zahrbock said. “A community center is going to be a great thing for that to happen.”
At the other end of the age spectrum, the Community Center with a family-friendly pool, walking track and opportunity for mingling socially can keep senior citizens engaged and active, promoting their physical and emotional health and well-being.
But overall, Zahrbock said the Community Center can become a symbol of the community’s identity and attract people to live in the city, making them feel welcome by offering a variety of programs for all age groups.
“Our vision is to create a space for individuals to develop a sense of belonging while addressing the local community’s needs in mental health, physical health and well-being,” Zahrbock said. “This is not just a building — it’s way more than that.”
Cook concurred, saying that the complex could draw workers to the area because they will have someplace to take the family, and could also increase home values.
People who donate to the project will be recognized on plaques lining the walking track. Donations will be taken for any amount, but Cook reminds the public that “naming rights” are still available.
If anyone has any questions about the project or if a business or organization would like to host a fundraising event, the committee is happy to make a presentation on the benefits of the project in more detail. Zahrbock can be reached at 715-736-7445 or executivedirector@bgcbarroncounty.org. Cook can be contacted at rcnascoe@yahoo.com. Steve Bowman, Josh Johnson, Deanna Westphal, Randy Drost, Tim Lange and Mike Bock round out the committee.
A website with donation information can be accessed via either rlarc.org or bgcbarroncounty.org.
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