Appleton Curling Club undergoes a major renovation project

By Mark Davis, Appleton Curling Club President (and/or Ken Walker Website Administrator)

Appleton Curling Club members and out of town guests expecting unpredictable ice conditions at the club are in for an pleasant surprise this coming curling season. Construction of the new ice bed at the existing location just off College Avenue began immediately after last year's curling season ended in Mid March. Work is on schedule and a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned at the Fall Dinner Meeting in Mid October. The Appleton Post Crescent and other media organizations are invited to attend.

The club drafted plans last year which required over 3,500 man (or woman) hours to complete. The price tag for the project was over $25,000 with all of the labor supplied by the membership. Members were asked to volunteer for eight (8) evenings (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), Monday through Thursday evenings.

The present clubhouse and arena were constructed in mid January, 1960, at the present site on Westhill Boulevard. The existing metal pipes were believed to be purchased "used" in 1951 and harvested from the Pierce Park curling building that was used in the 1940's. It was time for a change to new improved technology Polyethylene Pipe.

The Arena will still have the same 9,000 square feet consisting of four (4) sheets (146'*14'6"*4 sheets). After the metal pipes were cut and removed, the existing dirt base was removed with bobcats. Three (3) sides (south, west and north) had a 3' trench dug with a back hoe. Two (2) layers of insulation were place along the wall, followed by 4" drainage tile and ¾" clear stone. The bed was leveled and two (2) layers of insulation set in place before the pipe coils were laid 4" apart. By the end of August, the screenings were brought in and leveled over the pipes.

A local scrap metal dealer gave an unexpected windfall for the used pipe that helped lower the cost. The concrete walls were reinforced and the insulation installed in the late 1980's was replaced. The walls were then framed and drywall was installed.

Dirt was removed from the building's exterior for expanded parking. A storage shed at the rear of the building will be constructed in late September.

With the insulation around the outside of the bed and under the piping, the ice surface will be much more consistent and easier to control. In addition, significant energy savings are expected

This project could not have been economically completed without the assistance of all members Make sure you plan to visit the Appleton Curling Club in the coming season to try the new and improved ice conditions.