The proposed Woodman's Sports and Convention Center in Janesville has received widespread support from various youth sports programs in the community. And contrary to what some believe – not just the hockey crowd. The Friends of the Woodman's Center recently received a letter of support authored by the Janesville Basketball Association, Janesville Youth Baseball & Softball Association, Janesville Youth Football, Janesville Youth Hockey, J-Hawk Aquatic Club,Oak Ridge Golf Course Youth Golf, Polar express-Learn to Skate, RBI Baseball, Rock Soccer Club, ROCK Volleyball Club Inc, and Veracity Dance Project with strong endorsement for this community-changing initiative.
March 14, 2023
Dear Janesville community members,
Our local youth sports groups represent over 3,220 members from our region. We come from various types of athletics, including baseball and softball, football, aquatics, skating, hockey, basketball, soccer, golf, competitive dance, and volleyball. Collectively different in needs and athletic abilities, we have come together in support of the construction and funding of the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center.
Now more than ever, it is vital for kids to be provided opportunities to stay active in youth sports and engage in hobbies and pastimes that support their physical, social, and mental well-being. The Woodman's Center will provide opportunities to do just that.
The Woodman's Center's pledged spaces, including the Mercyhealth Arena, Kennedy Family Foundation Center, and a yet-to-be-named Multipurpose Arena, give our local youth programs a better chance to stay and play close to home. Mainly because many of our programs (not just hockey!) currently have trouble finding available or accessible time for practices, games, events and fundraisers or to host at-home tournaments. All of these challenges add up. It forces local teams to look elsewhere and travel to better-equipped communities that have invested in the necessary resources to support youth sports. When our teams do this, we also become regular patrons of the businesses that reside there rather than at home.
Many of our players and their families know all too well what it is like to have to hit the road for youth sports tournaments. Instead of committing the time and money to spend those weekends away on travel expenses, food, and last-minute game-time needs, the Woodman's Center could easily serve up what we truly need and more. The facility will bring teams, competitions, and tournaments to our community – saving our local families money and spurring our at-home economy along the way.
Investing in the Woodman's Center is an investment for ALL of Janesville.
We ask you to join us and help see this project through.
Sincerely,
Janesville Basketball Association
Janesville Youth Baseball & Softball Association
Janesville Youth Football
Janesville Youth Hockey
J-Hawk Aquatic Club
Oak Ridge Golf Course Youth Golf
Polar express Learn to Skate
RBI Baseball
Rock Soccer Club
ROCK Volleyball Club Inc
Veracity Dance Project
Investing in the next generation
Local youth sports programs understand the importance of investing in the future of our community and the next generation. By supporting the Woodman's Center, you are not only providing our youth with a safe and accessible space to participate in sports but also creating opportunities to bring others into our community, benefiting our local economy.
Are you an organization that wants to voice your support?
If you are part of a group in Janesville or greater Rock County and want to voice your support for the construction and funding of the Woodman's Sports and Convention Center, please consider writing a letter to the editor today or reach out to us at friends@woodmanscenter.com
Together, we can positively impact our youth's lives and Janesville's future