City Times Staff

The Village of Plover Board has approved the concept of a new building for the local curling club. 

The Stevens Point Curling Club is planning to rename itself the Portage County Curling Club, and its the first buy-in on future plans for a revamped Lake Pacawa Park.

(Contributed image)

Ian Journeaux, President of Stevens Point Curling Club Board of Directors, said the group has a lot of active fund raising slated to accommodate a capital campaign of the estimated $2 million price tag of the new Portage County Curling Center’s proposed 20,000 square foot facility.

The new facility, which is being designed by Keller, will be located in the northwest corner of Lake Pacawa Park near Mark Motors.

“I think this is a great idea, a great addition to the park,” said Board Trustee Tom Davies.

Village Administration Dan Mahoney was present for the curling club’s announcement on Monday, made during a Business After Hours event held by the Portage Co. Business Council. The announcement came prior to the Board approving the concept, but village leaders were already excited about the proposed development.

“It’s a great way to spur additional development,” Mahoney said. “We’re excited to see how the approved concept for Lake Pacawa Park is going to unfold.”

Journeaux said the club has a lot of fundraising to do before it begins construction on the new facility. He did not immediately know when construction might begin.

Lake Pacawa Park is set for a major overhaul, Mahoney said. Last June the village approved a final concept for the park, which includes adding a band shell and parking for more than 200 as well as LED lighting, additional bathrooms and pavilions throughout the park.

The revamp also includes a new fishing dock and scenic overlook, reconstructed driving surfaces, new perimeter walking paths and improved playing fields.