Our Mission
To build and operate a dynamic facility providing diverse recreational, social, and wellness opportunities for our River Valley communities and beyond.
We need your input!
About
The Driftless Community Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2024 to address the question of whether a community-focused recreation space in the River Valley area was needed, and what it might consist of.
This website is meant to provide information about this project to the greater River Valley community, gauge interest in our efforts and compile a list of volunteers and those interested in joining and supporting the efforts to bring a community-focused wellness and recreation space to the River Valley area.
The Challenges
Market gap: No current full service or accessible facility.
Competitive: The River Valley must focus on providing new and critical infrastructure to remain relevant.
Access: Both childcare and basic recreation facilities are at a premium leading to a loss of workforce and revenue.
Families: The River Valley cannot afford to fall behind in attracting and keeping young people.
Usability: The River Valley has an aging population with disposable income. We need to keep them here.
The Solutions
Full service community and recreation center with:
Indoor lap and play pools
Indoor walking track
Multi-generational wellness activities
Multi-use basketball/volleyball courts
Indoor child play area
Childcare and drop-off capabilities
Meeting, rehearsal and community spaces
Mental health rooms
Health and rehab facilities
Community café
Workstations and office spaces
Location
The proposed 8 to 10 acre site would be walkable from downtown Spring Green and close enough to the downtown corridor to enhance it, without creating sprawl.
This currently unconfirmed site is located just north of the Spring Green Municipal Park (North Park) and west of N. Worchester Street at Baker Street in what is currently an agriculture field.
Timeline
Jun 2025: Receive 501(c)(3): status for Driftless Community Group.
Jan 2026: Start Fundraising Series 1.
Apr 2026: Identify and apply for regional, state and federal funding.
Dec 2026: Complete Fundraising Series 1 and complete the project 'go or no go' analysis.
Financial Projections
Based on square feet, $35m target
Private, public and grant funding
Total addressable market of 6,000–12,000
Multiple income streams
Open to visitors
Tourism tax
No tax increase for residents
Board Members
Chair
Bryan Radel, Radel Construction
Vice Chairs
Paul Kardatzke, Jewell Associates Engineers, Inc.
Lisa Roelke, Rock Form Fitness LLC
Secretary
Gaile Burchill, Gaile Force Services LLC
Treasurer
Holly Shelton, Royal Bank
Members
Shawn Aron, Thermo Dynamics LLC
Eric Ferguson, White School Collective
John Finn
Leslie Graves, Ballotpedia
Ray Johnson, Ray's Do It Best Hardware
Kyle Kraemer, Kraemer Brothers
Tara Meister-Buringa
Get Involved
We are looking for volunteers to serve in many capacities including board member positions, fundraising efforts, legal counsel, marketing and design, operations, strategy, and more.
If you’re interested, email info@driftlesscommunitygroup.org