We recently sent the following email update on the club's current activities in preparation for returning league and membership registration, which opens July 17th.
Eleven years after the founding of Frogtown Curling Club we have begun the process to upgrade our ice plant. The current plant is outdated, dating back to the 1970s, and though some parts have been upgraded over the years it has exceeded its intended lifespan. Additionally, our plant utilizes R-22 freon which has been phased out of production, necessitating upgrades for all ice plants using this refrigerant. We plan to install the new plant in the summer of 2025 and we will continue to use the existing ice plant for the next two seasons.
The cost of this upgrade will be a minimum of $1,000,000. Yes, you read that correctly – one million dollars!
This is the largest project our club has ever undertaken. Our club operates as a 501(c)(7) organization, which effectively means that members share the costs of club purchases. When you consider Frogtown as a club with over 650 members pooling resources to accomplish such a substantial project, it is truly exciting. We have together already constructed a new clubhouse and added a sixth sheet, both of which have been fully paid for.
A $1,000,000 purchase amounts to approximately $1,500 per member. However, in reality, this amount can be spread out over the next 15-20 years. We are already generating some of the funds through our group learn-to-curl initiatives and bonspiel raffles, etc. Additionally, we will need to increase the dues for the next year by $45 per member. This adjustment brings us in line with other clubs and enables us to begin to support this new expense.
Here is a breakdown on fee changes for the 2023-24 season:
- Membership fees will increase from $165 to $180, an extra $15.
- Student Membership will remain the same at $90.
- Team registration will rise from $640 to $760, an extra $30 per person (4-person team).
- Mixed Doubles and Friday League teams (every other week) will rise from $320 to $380
- Group learn-to-curls will increase from $45 per person to $55 per person.
- Bonspiel Registrations will now have sales tax charged extra instead of being included.
Our club works hard to maintain a balanced budget with a healthy cash reserve to cover maintenance (both normal and unexpected) and the many improvements we have all enjoyed over the years. The board engages regularly in evaluating costs and fees and will continue to do so as we undertake this next exciting chapter in our history.
We firmly believe that this investment will significantly benefit all members in the long run. It will allow us to operate much more efficiently and eliminate the worrisome risk of mid-season malfunctions. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we strive to provide you with the best possible curling experience.
Good Curling!
