New London seeks donations for fitness center – Waupaca County Post

$350,000 fundraising goal

By Bert Lehman

The New London School District is now ready to start collecting donations to renovate the current New London High School Fitness Center.

The New London School Board received an update on the status of the renovation project when it met July 8.

The renovation project was last discussed at a May 28 board meeting. At that meeting, the board was informed of the district’s desire to develop a plan for a new weight room for the high school through community engagement. A fundraising plan was also shared with the board at that time.

District officials have since met to discuss a plan to turn the desire for a new weight room into reality, said New London Superintendent Scott Bleck.

Bleck presented a process for that plan to the school board. The board received information that will eventually be shared with the community on the district’s website.

“So people could understand and know the initiative, the history, the purpose, student accessibility, student athlete participation, as well as students and how they actively utilize the space,” Bleck said.

Renderings of what a potential new weight room could look like were also shared with the board.

According to the board packet, the district’s goal is to raise $350,000.

Bleck said a highlight of the project’s kickoff is that more than $100,000 has already been verbally committed to the project from the community.

“There’s a significant interest within the community to see this fundraising effort move forward to support our training facilities at the high school,” Bleck said.

Joe Marquardt, NLSD business services director, said the district wants to make sure it’s a community campaign, and not just a district campaign for funds.

According to the board packet, the district was ready to start taking donations, starting July 15.

“The best fit from our local banking options is to create a separate account at Wolf River Bank in New London,” it was stated in the board packet. “Donations can be mailed to Wolf River Bank, submitted online via a secure platform or sent to the district office. We will use this account to track the project’s progress.”

The community and social media campaign will be led by Steve Stalker.

A poster board will be created to have available at athletic events throughout the year with information about the renovation project.

New name

According to information presented to the board, the renovated facility would have a new name – the Randy Marsh Strength and Conditioning Center.

“Randy had tremendous impact on thousands of students during his entire career in New London as a teacher, administrator and coach,” according to the board packet. “He could always be found in the weight room teaching lessons about lifting, life and being a Bulldog of Character.”