All posts by Dave Schaeffer

Announcements

Chalet Renovation Update

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club is moving forward with our renovation and expansion plans for the Thom Storm Chalet.  After three public meetings and numerous other opportunities for feedback, we have developed the preliminary design for the chalet.  We worked with LHB Architects, who provided these initial services free of charge!

We are presenting the plans to the Duluth Parks Commission on April 20th.  Once the plans are approved, we will then seek approval from the Planning Commission and City Council.  The next step is fundraising- this is about a $1 million project!- followed by construction ready design, and finally the construction itself.  This is a big project, so we anticipate that construction will take place several years from now.

The Chalet renovation includes several significant changes to the structure of the building, while retaining the “feel” of the traditional Swiss Chalet Style. The residents’ apartment will be moved to a new third level, allowing the second level to nearly double the open available space for the ski program, summer camp, and chalet rentals. The cramped concessions stand will be moved and expanded. The bottom level will be reconfigured for larger hallway access, better office space utilization, and expanded storage. We will become accessible by ADA standards through the renovation of existing restrooms, the addition of one single stall “family” restroom, and the addition of an elevator. The site immediately around the chalet will benefit from changes to the parking structure and the addition of a permanent bridge near the chalet. The building is currently very inefficient from an energy conservation standpoint, and improvements during redesign are expected to result in a net decrease in energy use despite a larger building.

We are very excited about these plans, and hope you are too!  You can view them by clicking here.  Please note that the first page is the EXISTING layout for comparison.  Any feedback can then go to Dave Schaeffer at 724-9832 or dave@chesterbowl.org.

Announcements, Events

Fun Slope Open

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Our Fun Slope is open, and our skiers and boarders are loving the new addition to the hill!  We held our grand opening on Friday, January 22nd.

Working with private contractors and city staff, the Chester Bowl Improvement Club was able to facilitate the addition of a new run- our “Fun Slope”. This newly skiable area is peppered with berms and waves of snow, creating a unique ski and snowboard experience that skiers and boarders of all ages are sure to love. We had another problem- this area was not adequately lit! Without new- and expensive- lighting, we would need to close this area off each day after darkness fell. This wasn’t a good option for us, so we sought out partners to make a lighting project happen.

I can’t overemphasize how much we rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to help us accomplish projects like our FunSlope. As a very small non-profit with only 2 year-round staff, we could not make this happen otherwise.

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who contributed to this project with a donation of time and/or materials:

For our lighting project: Scott Haedtke, Gausman and Moore, initial lighting plan; Brandon Smith, Holophane, donation of lighting materials; Jordan Oja, Corey Eye-lee, and Dale Tikka, Simco electrical work and materials; The Minnesota Power Foundation for a grant for the light pole and installation.

City Crews were also heavily involved in all aspects of this project: Joe Miller, overall planning and oversight; The entire Parks and Rec trails and trees crew, including Ben Sosnieki, Bob Bugbee, Bob Dunsmore, Billy Davis, Darrin Frankoviak (also our lead groomer who constructed the snow elements); Doug Rosas, Larry Abrahamson, Todd Halbakken.
The project also included a new lower lift building: Bryan Thoreson, Mark Kettelhut, Tony Livingston, Rick Hanson

As a volunteer driven organization, we also are indebted to our volunteer Board of Directors and Development Committee.  The idea began with recently retired Executive Director Thom Storm- Thank you for your vision, Thom

We appreciate all of the local media coverage we received.  You can see what everyone is saying about the Fun Slope at the links below.

http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/Fun-Slope-at-Chester-Bowl-opens-366317901.html

 http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S4026103.shtml?cat=10335

 http://www.fox21online.com/news/local-news/a-beloved-duluth-park-gets-a-new-attraction/37590728

 http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/video/1yjstIXT 

 

Announcements, Freestyle, Photos

Welcome to Sam Luoma!

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club (CBIC) announced Wednesday that Sam Luoma will become the new Program-Operations Manager.

Sam Luoma

Sam will be working alongside current Executive Director, Thom Storm and in-coming Executive Director, David Schaeffer. Thom will be retiring on April 30, 2015, after more than 40 years of service. Sam and Dave were hired prior to Thom’s retirement to allow ample time for the transition in leadership for CBIC. Through an extensive succession planning process, CBIC identified the need for a new leadership structure that includes a part-time Executive Director focused on sustaining the financial health of the organization and strategic planning; and a full-time Program-Operations Manager responsible for management, planning and operational oversight for CBIC programming and park operations. While Chester Bowl is a City of Duluth park, all of the programs at the park are operated by and primarily funded through the non-profit, volunteer-run Chester Bowl Improvement Club. That includes the winter downhill skiing program that serves more than 1,000 youth and adult skiers and snowboarders; the summer youth program that serves 60 children per day; planning and coordinating the Chester Bowl Fall Festival; and other activities at Duluth’s most popular park. Additionally, CBIC provides staff and volunteers to assist the City of Duluth with the Tuesday night summer concert series.

Sam has been involved in programming at Chester Bowl for almost a decade, including serving as a Program Assistant between 2010 and 2014. His various roles have included starting the “Freestyle Fridays” and Snowboard Cadet programs, leading and coordinating snowboard lessons, and serving as a counselor for CBIC’s summer Chester Bowl Adventure Camp. Sam has also been a member of the CBIC Board of Directors. Sam received his BA in Health Sciences from the College of St. Scholastica. Most recently Sam was employed as a Counselor and Supervisor for Northwood Children’s Services. He is a neighbor of the park and an avid snowboarder.

“I am delighted to have Sam join us as the new Chester Bowl Program Manager,” said Thom Storm. “Sam has a deep love of children and community. He has been part of the Chester Bowl family for nearly 10 years, and brings a wealth of experience & knowledge to the position.”