Hodag Schools Foundation announces playground project, fitness center renovation

For more than two decades, the Hodag Schools Foundation (HSF) has partnered with the Rhinelander community to support the students of the School District of Rhinelander. Together, the foundation and community donors have raised more than $5.5 million to enhance educational programs, improve facilities, and expand opportunities for local students.
On Nov. 24, HSF announced plans for its next chapter: two significant improvement projects that will “strengthen student experiences for years to come.”
The group is seeking to create an inclusive playground at Pelican Elementary and to fund a renovation of the Aspirus Fitness Center at Rhinelander High School.
“Pelican Elementary’s playground has served more than 260 students for over 20 years, but it is no longer meeting students’ needs,” according to an HSF press release. “Many areas lack accessibility for children with mobility or sensory challenges, while safety has also become a concern.”
HSF’s goal is to create a fully inclusive, safe, and welcoming playground where every child feels a sense of belonging. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $400,000.

The second project is focused on an amenity at Rhinelander High School.
“Rhinelander High School’s Aspirus Fitness Center—currently a repurposed weight room—will undergo a major renovation to become a state-of-the-art performance and training facility.,” the release states. “The upgraded space will support all students, not only athletes, and will better accommodate physical education classes that often exceed 70 students at a time.
The new center will highlight and promote safety, accessibility, and modern training resources, helping students build strength, confidence, and lifelong wellness habits, the release states. The cost of this project is also estimated at $400,000. HSF invites community members to support these efforts and continue the legacy of investing in our young Hodags, the release states. Donations can be made at hodagschoolsfnd.org or by mailing a check to the foundation.