Fourteen years ago, Grand Forks Curling Club membership had tumbled to 90 members and "we were ready to close the doors," Perry Marto said.
Now, at 270 members and climbing, the club is planning a major building project. Marto represented the club Tuesday in asking the Grand Forks Park Board for its blessing to rebuild its facility. The club owns the building, but needs permission from the board because it's on Park District land.
Board members had no problem with the plans, which include keeping the slab and ice plant, but building a two-story structure with a masonry exterior. The second story would include a viewing area that is a staple of newer curling facilities.
"We think we could keep the cost to $500,000 with the donated labor of some club members who are in the construction business," Marto said.
The current facility, located next door to the Purpur Arena, is 50 years old "and not worth putting money into," Marto said. It also has outgrown the sport's popularity.
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The increased interest, Marto said, comes from the Ralph Engelstad Arena hosting a world curling tournament in 2008, the sport's television exposure at the last Winter Olympics, UND adding curling classes and, perhaps most of all, the Southgate Lounge's annual outdoor bonspiel.
"The club has been self-sustaining and has never come to us for any dollars," said John Staley, Park District director, in recommending the project to board members
In other action, the board:
- Approved pay raises averaging 5 percent to its employees.
- Increased employees' share of their health insurance cost from 7.5 to 9.75 percent.
- Learned that construction of Choice Health & Fitness is 4-6 weeks ahead of schedule and will be fully enclosed by Jan. 1. Choice is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012.
- Reached a three-year lease agreement with Sprouts Café for the food concession at Choice. Sprouts will pay an annual rent of $15,000, plus 3 percent on sales exceeding $500,000 and 5 percent on sales exceeding $750,000.
- Received a $6,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association for courts in Choice.
- Awarded $8,500 in Ulland Grants to six local non-profits that serve youth.
- Appointed commissioner Jay Panzer as the board's representative on the newly formed Grand Forks Youth Hockey Association.
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send email to rbakken@gfherald.com .
