Dave Schaeffer is the executive director of Chester Bowl. He talked to us about the construction of the new chalet, some programming changes, and a little about history.
Believe it or not, the current chalet is the fourth chalet at Chester Bowl. The first two were for ski jumping and they were much smaller. The first chalet was built in 1910 and was most likely destroyed due to fire. The second model came and went and was replaced by what was known as the field house. The field house was there until the early 1970’s. The chalet we currently know, the Thom Storm Chalet, was built in 1974.
Fundraising for the chalet has been successful, but there is still a little way to go. Approximately 275,000 dollars are still needed. There is a promotion going on—the campaign is called “Growing up Chester”—and the Chester Bowl nonprofit is trying to raise 100,000 dollars by May 21st. Donors have stepped forward, but Dave is hoping the public will respond too. People who have fond memories, who love the chalet and Chester Bowl are all welcome to donate if possible.
As far as the timeline is concerned, the new chalet will be ready by next winter’s ski and snowboard season. The target date to move into the new building is Halloween. It will stand in the same place as the current chalet. An elevator is being added for accessibility, and there will be an additional 3rd floor.
There will be an impact on park use during this time. Concerts in the park will be held in Lincoln Park this year. The Fall Fest, however, will happen as scheduled. Chester Park, including the trails and the playground, will still be usable. The road to the soccer field will be blocked off during construction.
Chester Bowl’s summer camp will still happen but will be located at the lower Chester Community Center on 15th Avenue east and 5th Street. Also, the Lester-Amity Chalet will be utilized as a second site for summer camp, to better serve the children in attendance.
Dave says that in the end, it all comes back to community. It’s not really about the new building; it’s about what happens there.
To learn more about the project or to donate, visit the Growing Up Chester website.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
