ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – This year’s Leadership Aberdeen class has been raising funds for the past several months to purchase a snow maker machine and snow groomer to make Baird Hill a safer, more usable sledding hill for families to use throughout the winter months.  Last week the class took a big step forward in fundraising for this project to happen this winter season with a $50,000 donation from Glacial Lakes Energy.

Jim Seurer, CEO of Glacial Lakes Energy said “Glacial Lakes Energy is dedicated to having a positive impact on the communities in which we conduct business by supporting projects and organizations such as Baird Sledding Hill and Park.  This park will benefit the entire community of Aberdeen and surrounding areas providing a safe and fun place for families to gather.  Glacial Lakes Energy is proud to be part of the Aberdeen community and we commend the Leadership Aberdeen Class for their efforts to enhance the quality of life in the Aberdeen Area.“

The class has been working closely with the City of Aberdeen on the project since February. The hill is located at Baird Park, which was donated by Roger, Virginia, and Howard Baird in 2001 to the citizens of Aberdeen for use as a park and recreational area in recognition of the wonderful childhood and educational experiences they received growing up in Aberdeen. The city has a master plan in place for Baird Park and this would be phase one of that plan. The total cost of this phase will be about $240,000. The class is very close to raising their committed amount of $170,000 to cover the cost of the snowmaker machine and used snow groomer. The city would pay the rest of the project cost including bringing water and electricity to the site, parking lot improvements, fencing and signage amounting to around $70,000.

The impact this project will have on the community is significant. The City of Aberdeen, and other community-based groups, have and are continuing to try, to increase winter activities to highlight the positives of living in Aberdeen and South Dakota during the winter months. Having adequate snow on the sledding hill is the first step in the process. Once that is completed, the city hopes to continue investing in a variety of other winter activities at this location including a warming hut, cross-country ski trail, outdoor hockey/curling rink, etc.

The class has secured several donations from businesses, organizations and individuals in the Aberdeen area and held a pub crawl to raise funds. Without their generosity, this project would not be possible. For more information on the project and to see additional campaign contributors, go to: https://aberdeen-chamber.com/events-programs/leadership-aberdeen/baird-sledding-hill-campaign/.

For additional information, reach out to the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce at info@aberdeen-chamber.com or (605) 225-2860.