A local foundation working to raise money to build a large athletic and community dome at Rhinelander High School has exceeded it's $2 million fundraising goal.
The School District had committed $5.7 million with costs in the neighborhood of $8.3 million. President of Hodag Schools Foundation, David Heck, says passing the local fundraising goal was a significant milestone in the project...
"The timing of it, with all the economic issues has been close because of what happened to the economy. So we appreciate it all working out and we appreciate, the school board and administration leadership to make this a reality..."
He thanked all the local donors.
Heck says the permanent Hodag Dome will enable school and community activities year round and benefit the regional economy. The facility will provide space for community events like trade shows, community gatherings, public events..
On the athletic side, it will be big enough to host a tennis tournament and a soccer tournament at the same time. Heck says the development highlights some positive news in a time when things are depressing because of the COVID pandemic.
"People can look forward to it now. As you drive back there it's really going to be an amazing facility. It's big. People can see the positive and exciting things that are going to happen and look forward to it. I think that is the key part to it with the (press) release right now..."
The dome is projected to be 128,000 square feet and will be air-inflated. The Dome will be one of the largest inflated domes in all of North America.
