that curling clubs, because of their relatively low occupancy, do not need such elaborate systems. Tis allowed the club to continue with the project as planned. Major delay avoided, the club is now on track to open its doors for the
2012-13 season. According to Irvin, clubs with smaller membership bases may benefit, as they did, from converting rental space rather than buying outright or building a new facility. Te current low cost of commercial real estate, and the many generous donations of local businesses and commu- nity members alike – both monetary and in-kind – made the new facility possible this year. Irvin said that members of the club have always been highly involved in volunteering, which was exemplified throughout the en- tire process. As seen in the efforts of these four clubs, it is indeed an exciting time for
A panoramic view of the new five-sheet Milwaukee Curling Club.
With more than 200 members signed up a month before the facility is set to open, it looks like they are well on their way to a success. In addition to an already established need for more curling sheets in the
area, the Fogerty Ice Arena is easily accessible from a variety of locations and is likely to benefit from the high volume of people already accessing the hockey arena for events. Te new facility will feature a sports bar-type restaurant that should be a major source of revenue. Management also is planning to maximize the use of the ice by hosting corporate events and private parties. Te curling ice house itself was built to NHL-specifications and “is considered world-class,” according to 2010 U.S. Olympian John Benton, who serves as Director of Curling Operations at the facility. “Our hope is that the facility turns into a true learning center for curling. Te club is looking to hold learn-to-curl clinics soon, as right now 70 percent of its members are novice curlers,” Benton said. But, with big aspirations and the facility to make them a reality, the club will certainly be bidding on national and world events in the near future. Evergreen Curling Club, Portland, Ore.
For the past 10 years, the Evergreen Curling Club has had to limit play to
whatever time slots were available each week at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink in Portland, Ore. Tat all changes this month when the ECC opens Oregon’s first dedicated curling facility. According to Bruce Irvin, ECC club presi- dent, the club will now be able to hold all of the practices, league nights, open houses, and bonspiels that the club and its 120 members can handle. Te ECC will be celebrating its 10th
anniversary year in the new facility,
but that nearly fell through when complications arose concerning the venti- lation system. Ice rinks are categorized as arenas by local building officials, and arenas require elaborate (and expensive) heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Te threat of having to upgrade the system nearly put a halt to the build. In response to a call for assistance from Irvin, the USCA helped put ECC in contact with Bert Fredericksen, an HVAC ex- pert from Milwaukee, Wis. Fredericksen convinced local building officials
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those of us who are passionate about the roaring game. To witness growth at such an accelerated rate means the sport is forging ahead into the main- stream. We welcome these four new facilities and congratulate club mem- bers on their effort and dedication to growing the sport in their respective communities.