2023_Lakeman-Fundraising-Packet_LONG-REVISED

LAKEMEN LAKEMEN FIELDFIELD REINVIGORATING WAUPACA'S BASEBALL HERITAGE The Waupaca Lakemen, established in 1946, have been a part of our city for decades, with generations of city residents playing for the team. Lakemen Field (formerly Haberkorn Field and the City Athletic Field) was built in 1940 through a Works Progress Administration (WPA) Grant for $6,850. Developing of the athletic field was a major step in the city; it provided recreational facilities for people in Waupaca, since even the high school football team did not have an adequate place to play games. The Lakemen team, considered one of the top amateur baseball teams in Wisconsin, have a total of 17 Grand Championships and 5 Grand Championship Runner-Up titles, earning their first grand championship in 1972. They were the 2022 Dairyland Grand Champions, the team’s fourth consecutive championship and their fifth in the past six years. WAUPACA LAKEMEN FIELD HISTORY “For 24 years, I have been a part of the strong baseball tradition in Waupaca - as a coach, a Lakemen player, and as a parent. This field has provided me with so many memories and lifetime friends. I want that feeling to be passed along for generations!” -Rocky Mondello (Varsity Baseball Coach and Lakemen Legend) LAKEMEN LAKEMEN FIELDFIELD FACTS & FIGURES “Lakemen encompases a sense of family. I have been able to sit with my friends and watch our kids play for years. The connections that we build with each other and the proud parent moments of watching our kids play a game they have a passion for are memories that will last a lifetime. This is a unique multi-generational activity that Waupaca has to offer.” —Jody Pankratz (Lakemen fan and proud parent) PROJECT BACKGROUND Lakemen Field is used seven months a year, seven days a week by 14U, 15U, and 16U Babe Ruth leagues, American Legion baseball teams, the Waupaca High School varsity team, and the Waupaca Lakemen. Over the years, improvements have been made to Lakemen Field: 1976 - Lights were put up with 25 year life expectancy. The poles were used electrical poles. 1979 - Sod was put in the infield. 1993 - Full infield renovation, including cut lips, new mound, new dirt. Recommended life-span is 25 years. These upgrades have lasted well past their projected lifespan. Existing wood light poles are splitting with deep cracks, creating a safety hazard. The lights are not as bright as they used to be and now produce about 25% of lumens needed for safe ball play at night. “Lakemen field is a special place. From being a batboy to a player to a manager, I’ve spent half my life on that field. My favorite memory is playing with my dad and my brother.” —Josh Peterson (Lakemen General Manager) COMMUNITY IMPACT Lakemen Field is one of the only truly multi-generational facilities in Waupaca. On a local level, Lakemen Field provides a safe and welcoming space for families, community members, and our many members from the King Veteran's Home. Teams travel from all over the state and Midwest to play at Lakemen Field, generating valuable tourist revenue for our community. Facility improvements will allow Waupaca to host the Legion State Tournament. SITE PLAN/IMAGES 11x17 middle spread SITE PLAN/IMAGES 11x17 middle spread PROJECT TIMELINE Fundraising & Grants: Spring through Fall 2023 Project Out to Bid: Fall 2023 Construction: Fall 2024 Grand Opening: Summer 2025 The next steps are outlined below: BUDGET & FUTURE COSTS “Our opponents love coming to play here. It reminds them of their neighborhoods growing up. It has an incredible family feel.” -Jay Krcmar (Waupaca Legion Coach) LAKEMEN LAKEMEN FIELDFIELD BUDGET, FUNDRAISING & TIMELINE Lights: $400,000 Sound System: $2,000 Infield Reconstruction: $55,000 Total Phase 1 Cost: $450,000 - $475,000 Rettler Corporation developed a Master Plan and cost estimate for the overall project, which includes, but is not limited to, new infield, lights, bathroom/concession building, additional batting cage, right field fence adjustment, backstop, dugouts, and 44-stall parking lot comes to $1,973,817.05. The Lakemen Field stakeholder group decided to take a phased approach to complete the project. The first phase will include lights, infield, and sound system. The City of Waupaca currently has $175,000 in the 2024 Capital Improvement for this project. (with contingency) We will need to fundraise between $275,000-$300,000 DONOR RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES Donor signage and naming rights are an opportunity to visibly demonstrate your commitment to this community. Your name will be prominently displayed through signage at Lakemen Field, on the Waupaca Lakemen website, and in any promotional materials featuring this exciting project. Grand Slam: $50,000 Homerun: $25,000 Triple: $10,000 Double: $5,000 Single: $1,000 Bunt: $100 - $999 “To some people, the picture above is simply a photo of a team celebrating a championship. However, anyone that has ever been a part of the Lakemen family knows how much time and effort goes into making this organization a success each and every year. Watching a group of men with ages ranging anywhere from 18 to 70 years old come together and celebrate as one is what makes this organization and amateur baseball so special. Having the opportunity for a son to catch his father throwing out the first pitch to kick off a championship game or watching children show up 2 hours before game time to shag batting practice are reasons why amateur baseball continues to thrive and grow. We are so grateful as an organization to have an entire community support us and will continue to do everything in our power to make Waupaca Lakemen baseball the best amateur baseball organization in the state of Wisconsin..” —Luke Behm (Lakemen Player) Name for Donor Recognition: _________________________________________________________________________________ Donation Amount: _______________________ Make check payable to: Waupaca County Natural Resources Foundation or WCNRF Please note in memo: Lakemen Field Renovation Send completed payment form with payment to: Friends of Waupaca Parks 407 School Street Waupaca, WI 54981 Donations can be made online at: http://friendsofwaupacaparks.com/donate Donations $1,000 or higher will be recognized through donor signage at Lakemen Field. Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Organization (if applicable): ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________________ State: _________________ Zip Code: ______________ Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Contact Information Donation Information (All Donations Are Tax Deductible) WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT LAKEMEN LAKEMEN FIELDFIELD DONATION FORM For detailed information on specific donation opportunities, please contact: Laura Colbert City of Waupaca Parks & Recreation Director 715-258-4435 | lcolbert@waupacawi.gov Josh Peterson City of Waupaca Parks Superintendent Lakemen General Manager 715-412-1302 | jpeterson@cityofwaupaca.org