Site work begins on new Chapman clubhouse
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
MEMBERS OF THE CHAPMAN RIDGE RUNNERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB officially broke ground Monday on the site of their new clubhouse, located just feet from the existing structure on the Town Hall Road in Chapman. The new facility, which will measure 34-feet by 70-feet, will face the Squa Pan mountain range creating a beautiful view and will feature a kitchen, restrooms and a large meeting area. Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony are, front row, from left: Mac Weaver, club director; Vinal McPherson, club director; Sue Maynard, secretary; Audrey Christie, building committee member; and Alex Christie, building committee member. Back row: Town Manager Martin Puckett, Mickey Maynard, club president; Linda Pelletier, club member; Joe “Sonny” Pelletier, club member; and Gene Gough, building committee member. Officials hope to be able to use the new building by late fall.
CHAPMAN – Though it’s only been spring for a few weeks, members of the Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club are already looking forward to next winter as they hope to be in their new, larger clubhouse by the first snowfall.
“We hope to be able to use the building by late fall,” said Mickey Maynard, club president. “It’s ambitious, but doable.”
The new snowmobile club is being built just a stone’s throw from the existing structure on the Town Hall Road in Chapman.
“We’ve basically outgrown our current building which is pretty dilapidated,” said Maynard. “The building is close to 100 years old, and it would cost more to add onto it, insulate it and rewire it than it would be to build a new one.
“About four years ago, we thought we’d put up a new building and try to go in on it with the town to share the building and expenses. We were hoping for a 50-50 partnership. Unfortunately, due to limited money coming back from the state last year, the town voted not to proceed with us,” he said. “At that time, they turned the building and the 2.5-acre property over to us, and we decided as a club to move ahead and do it on our own. That’s where we’re at today.”
The current snowmobile club measures 23-feet by 39-feet, while the new structure will be 34-feet by 70-feet. The clubhouse will look like a log cabin and will face the Squa Pan mountain range creating a beautiful view. It will feature a kitchen, restrooms and a large meeting area. Maynard hopes the new clubhouse can be built for $100,000 or less.
“We’re going to be doing a lot of fund-raisers … activities with the public to raise money through donations,” he said, “but most of the money will have to be borrowed.” Though the dates and times need to be finalized, the club plans on holding a spring supper in May, a silent auction and a Mapleton Daze breakfast in June, a possible garage sale and raffle in the fall.
The club has applied for grants to help cover the construction costs, but no word yet on whether they’ve been awarded funds or not.
“We’re looking for a lot of community participation with this project,” said Maynard. “You don’t have to be club members to help. We’re looking for anybody in the area to come help work on it or show their financial support.
“This building will be used by more than just snowmobilers,” he said. “It can be used by locals for reunions, wedding receptions, Boy Scout functions, etc.”
Scheduled workdays will be announced at a later time.
Buck Construction started the groundwork Monday.
“Buck Construction will do the site work and pour the foundation, and the club members will construct the walls on the ground,” said Maynard. “Then Buck’s will come back, stand up the walls, set the trusses and put the metal roof on, and then it will go back to club members to finish. I’m guessing the club will be starting its work by mid-May.”
The groomer barn will continue to house all of the club’s equipment, while the current clubhouse will likely be used for cold storage.
“We may also use it for a woodworking shop to do sign work and other things,” Maynard said.
There are presently 70 members of the Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club. More information on the construction project and related fund-raisers will be posted on the club’s Web site, www.crrsc.org. Anyone wishing to contribute – either labor or financially – can contact Maynard at 764-1236.
CREWS FROM BUCK CONSTRUCTION began the site work Monday for the new Chapman Ridge Runners Snowmobile Clubhouse. The new facility is located just feet from the existing structure – and adjacent to the groomer barn – on the Town Hall Road in Chapman. Officials hope to be able to use the new building by late fall.
