The Central Wisconsin Saints Hockey Association (CWSHA), the Arnott Lions Club and the Community Foundation of Portage County announce the $270,000 Capital Campaign to build a multi-purpose building for year-round recreational activities.
CWSHA has a purchase commitment to buy the year-round facility from Tri-County Recreation Association in Neenah. Joseph Zuniga, president of CWSHA, and George Helbach, first vice president, have negotiated an agreement to transport the facility to Portage County. It will be dismantled and moved to a location east of Plover in the Lions Club Park near Arnott.
The Lions will operate the facility from April-September and it will be available to the public as a large park pavilion. The Central Wisconsin Saints will maintain and operate their hockey programs from October-March.
Because of the limited amount of ice time available at Willett Arena, the association utilized outdoor ice in Stevens Point and Plover and purchased indoor ice time in Merrill. The association's mission is to make hockey affordable to all families, thereby creating a need for an ice facility that is available, dependable and accessible.
The Tri-County arena was constructed by Walters Buildings and is being upgraded to meet state building codes. The new plans include enclosure of the north wall, building an entrance with a heated foyer and a Zamboni room. The ice facility accommodates a full-size hockey rink and includes a refrigeration system and the Zamboni ice resurfacer. The total cost of the project is approximately $270,000. The building is not heated but it will keep the rink and its spectators out of the elements.
The Saints have developed a volunteer-based program for children/young adults and their families that have no requirement for mandatory hours. To make hockey economical, CWSHA has initiated fund-raising programs to outfit children and young adults who otherwise may not have the opportunity to play the sport.
Persons interested in supporting the Central Wisconsin Saints Hockey Association or having any questions regarding pass-through funds, contact the Community Foundation of Portage County at 342-4454.
For information on becoming involved with CWSHA contact the Zunigas at 343-8997.