Twin Cities to Get New Club

(Minneapolis, MN) - Planning for a new curling club in the western suburbs of the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN metro area is underway, with a target open date of the fall of 2005.  The Twin Cities Curling Association has been formed, and will shortly incorporate as a non-profit association with the intention of setting up a permanent facility in the west metro area. 

The initial plans are to build, purchase, or lease a suitable location to accommodate 4 sheets of ice.  An ice plant has already been obtained, and is currently being stored.  The group is meeting with a variety of civic officials and businesses in the area to determine if a suitable partnership can be formed.  In addition, they are working with newly formed clubs in Wisconsin of similar size to help set up the business plan.

A survey was sent out to over 800 curlers early in December to help determine if the Twin Cities could support another club.  A strong response rate of over 50% overwhelming said "Yes".  With the current club being located in the eastern metro area , many Minneapolis and other western suburban curlers face 45-60 minute commutes to curl.  The survey also revealed that many of these curlers would curl more than their current average of "1.3 times" per week if a club was located in the west metro area.

The survey revealed many positive responses.  "I believe that a new club in a western metro location would be a very positive development for the future of curling in the area." noted one survey response.  "I am a strong supporter of building a second club in the metro area.  Most likely a four or six sheet club would continue to draw Twin Cities residents to curling.   With Cambridge and St Paul, a southwest suburb club would be ideal.  We will support the effort in spirit, by recruiting nearby friends to try curling at the new club, by bonspieling at the new club", responded another. 

"We have a dedicated group of about 12 people which meet every three to four weeks.  Our most immediate goal is to finalize our non-profit incorporation and finish our business plan.  Without completing both of these first steps, there is very little that can be done from either a fundraising point of view, site selection, or equipment purchases" - says Neil Marriott, a committee member.

Ken Olson, an avid competitive and recreational curler got the whole project started by obtaining an ice plant from a now defunct curling club.  Ken jumped at the chance to obtain the ice plant.  "Having the ice plant in hand provides our group with a great opportunity to get up and running with a new curling club in the near future."