RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU-WAOW) The Rhinelander School District will build a $5.7-million indoor athletic facility. The project will be the biggest non-referendum project the district has taken on.
“The original idea was a facility for the kids because of the severe weather that we have up north… many times we don’t get our kids on the field until late April, early May,” Rhinelander Board of Education President Ron Counter told WAOW-TV.
Brain Paulson, the Rhinelander School District’s Activities Director, echoed that importance to the facility. “Especially with the snow, it keeps going later and later,” Paulson said. “Currently the track team uses our hallways.”
The board is currently discussing two options for the facility. The first is a steel structure that would house a 50 yard field as well as some running lanes. The second option is a permanent dome that would house a full length soccer field, running lanes and potentially tennis courts.
But the facility won’t just benefit athletics. Counter said it will give other student groups, like the marching band, a new facility to utilize. And he’s also hoping it can be used by the community as a place to walk in the winter, have concerts and even host tournaments. School officials hope the facility will not only improve the school district, but will attract more people and events to the Northwoods.
