Many members of the community attended, waiting in anticipation for the start of the event.
Mayor Paul Whitey opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone for coming to the event and making this day possible. He recollects the history of the project. It was stated that the project was first created by the Soldotna City Council back in 2016, but then lost by 18 votes. While it was disheartening, many members were determined to keep trying to make sure this fieldhouse came into fruition. In the summer, the topic was brought back for discussion, and received huge support from the community in the fall, which allowed them to receive $15 million dollars for funding.
“This moment has been anxiously anticipated for years and we are finally here because of the efforts time and dedication of a few tenacious individuals as well as the support of the entire community,” said Whitney.
The fieldhouse is proposed to be 40,500 square feet, almost an acre of land, and will be able to host various sports and tournaments, as well as other big events. The project is anticipated to take two years, and be done by winter 2025, but Whitney is hopeful that it can be done a little sooner.
Soldotna Public Works Director Kyle Cornelles says that the project’s design team is led by Burkhart Croft Architects and an experienced contractor in Criterion General. The city has been working alongside them to determine details such as the construction schedule and cost breakdowns. The city will be reviewing and approving the pre-engineered metal building soon, and then work on getting materials shipped to Alaska. But once all that is done, they will be set to begin making significant work on the project.
Jeff Dolifka, President of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula, says that it’s been “one heck of a ride,” but it excited to see the groundbreaking happen.
Dolifka says that the biggest obstacle they had to overcome was losing the vote the first time around. But he felt compelled to try again when the numbers worked better in their favor.
“They changed the project a little bit. The first one, again, had a sales tax associated with it. The second time around, that was removed. And so, to me, it was a different project and a different set of facts. So kind of made me want to get back involved and say, OK, let’s offer this back to the voters one last time and voters have their say. Again, pretty wide margin victory,” sad Dolifka.
Mayor Whitney did want make one final statement for the of friends this project that are watching from afar.
“Unfortunately, two of the biggest supporters and advocates for the Field House project are not here with us today. Mayor Dr. Nells Anderson and Coach Dan Gensel. I’m sure they’re looking down at us right now with a big smile on their face and saying job well done.”
All the members of the Soldotna City Council share equal excitement as how this will benefit the community, as well as give a safe space for all the children of the Peninsula to practice their sport and have fun.