Wednesday, November 19, 2008
McHenry County Community Foundation Press Release about the Multi-Purpose Events Venue
McHenry County Community Foundation
P.0. Box 1844 Woodstock, IL 60098
815-338-GIVE (4483) phone 815-334-8613 fax
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Kate Halma, President/CEO
Phone: 815-338-GIVE (4483) Date: November 19, 2008
McHenry County Multi-Purpose Events Venue Finds a Home
November 19, 2008 – For nearly three years various interest groups have gathered to discuss all possible uses, designs, benefits and challenges associated with a multi-purpose events venue (MPEV). During recent months dedicated to site reviews, one has been identified within the corporate limits of the City of Woodstock, Illinois. The MPEV community partners are moving forward with an application to be considered before the City of Woodstock in weeks to come.
During this past year, representatives of Equity One Sports Development Corp. have joined forces with the McHenry County Community Foundation to identify, research, and evaluate a number of possible sites in McHenry County with the hope of securing a location that could provide all residents of McHenry County the opportunity to readily enjoy the benefits of such a facility.
“A highly comprehensive choice, the property located north of Route 14 across from Centegra Hospital in Woodstock continually rose to the top of the list,” stated Victor Narusis, Treasurer of the McHenry County Community Foundation Board of Directors who spearheaded the project on behalf of the Foundation. “Located in the central part of the County and along a regional traffic corridor, the site provides convenient access for all County residents and those who travel to McHenry County to enjoy one of the 50 home baseball games, or attend one of the many other events the venue will offer.”
In phase one of the developments of this 250+/- acre site would be the construction of a multi-million dollar state-of-the art, multi-use facility slated to be operational by spring of 2010 in time for opening day for a new Independent Professional Baseball team. The team will be owned and operated by McHenry/Lake Professional Baseball Group, LLC (MLPBG), and will be a member of the Frontier League which currently has twelve teams in seven Midwestern and Eastern states. “This unique facility will be designed to help us achieve our goal of creating inexpensive community entertainment through a fan-friendly atmosphere focusing on family, food and fun,” said Peter Heitman, Managing Partner for MLPBG. “This facility will not only enhance the quality of life for all of McHenry County, but will provide a positive economic impact to the entire area, as well.”
The proposed Woodstock facility is designed with an artificial turf allowing options for multi-sports and entertainment year-round use accommodating 6500 for field events and 10,000 for gatherings open to lawn seating. The long-term financial success of this venture is partly dependent on the non-team events to be held at the stadium. “More minor league facilities are being designed with amenities that promote non-team events,” said Mark Houser, President, Equity One Sports Development Corp. “In addition to youth, high school and college sporting events including baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and football, other programs that could take place in this multi-purpose facility include concerts, fund-raisers, festivals and trade shows.”
Narusis added, “Unlike similar facilities in the region, this stadium will be built with no request for public funding. Given the current state of the economy, and the limited resources available from most governmental entities, we are proud to present this project within this economic framework.”
Through a unique collaborative private/public partnership, the event center will be funded entirely through private donation and community investors. Beyond the immediate event center land donation by Tom Merryman of Woodstock, following completion of site preparation and grading operation, the remaining land will be made available to the McHenry County Community Foundation and the McHenry County Fair Board.
It is projected that the construction work during phase one will result in more than 60 jobs with over $3,000,000 in salaries pumped into the local economy. When phase one is completed, it is estimated that nearly 100 full and part-time jobs will be created with a local estimated economic impact of over $5,000,000 annually.
Additional organizations are interested in future plans to develop a fire museum, educational facilities (both indoors and out), a conservation site, and an exhibition hall that would provide for multiple uses including craft and trade fairs, farmers markets, antique shows, and regional organizational meeting facilities. Of significant importance is consideration by the McHenry County Fair Association to move the County Fair Grounds to the MPEV site. “A central location in McHenry County has always been our goal in relocating the Fair,” said McHenry County Fair Board President Dick Crone. “We need to be in a place where those who can benefit most from the experience of the Fair can get to it.”
Two unique natural features to the Woodstock site are a 53-acre quality wetland and a 22-acre oak savannah, both intended for preservation in the proposal with potential public access development for environmental education and leisure benefit to visitors. According to Kate Halma, President/CEO of the Community Foundation, Ken Koehler, Chairman of the McHenry County Board and Mayor Brian Sager of Woodstock have both expressed a strong desire to preserve the wetlands and oak savannah on the property. With assistance from the Foundation and their donors, the natural areas will be preserved from development impact.
Deliberation for a multi-purpose events venue resulted in the idea of a site that would support the unique cultures of McHenry County by providing proper amenities to stage agricultural, recreational, education and entertainment events while promoting positive environmental practices, and the importance of our non-profits – and then bringing it all together in one location. “This approach supports smart land use, economic resource planning, wise budget practices and would provide numerous resources with the many benefits of tourism,” said McHenry County Community Foundation Board Chairman Mark Ehlert.
“This unique public/private partnership provides a strong possibility for community favorites like Fall Diddley to return to McHenry County, and could allow the County Fair and the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Festival to remain McHenry County traditions,” said Halma.
The Community Foundation has served as a local convener during the past year as a result of a grant received through the Grand Victoria Foundation of Chicago that encourages collaboration for the benefit of community improvements. Those wanting more information or wishing to participate in the McHenry County Multi-Purpose Events Venue are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation at 815-338-GIVE (4483) or GIVE@MCCFdn.org.
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Labels: McHenry County Community Foundation
