“An Extraordinary Occasion”

There were smiles all around as more than 350 people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center on April 29th.  The ceremony signals the start of a new, exciting phase for the community center project at 1315 Lime Kiln Road in Green Bay.    

“Today, as we turn the earth on what will be generations of lives changed right here in our backyard, we all realize how truly blessed we are to have been chosen for such an amazing opportunity,” said Bill Matheson, Advisory Board Chair and Kroc Steering Committee member.

Despite howling winds, it was a true community celebration that attracted community leaders, Salvation Army officials from Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chicago and beyond, neighborhood residents, Salvation Army supporters, Kroc Center donors and more.  The ceremony also featured several songs by students from nearby Eisenhower Elementary School, as well as The Salvation Army brass band. 

“Witnessing the groundbreaking ceremony and seeing the preliminary work getting underway is very exciting,” said Major Karen Felton, Kroc Center administrator.  “We know there have been obstacles and delays.  But now we can watch this building come to life while finalizing the programs that will touch thousands of lives in our community.” 

The $24 million building will feature an aquatic center, an auditorium/performing arts center/chapel, a wellness/fitness center, a neighborhood resource center, double gymnasium with walking track, an arts & crafts room, multi-purpose rooms and more.  Construction of the building will be covered entirely by the Kroc Gift, which also includes a $22.5 million endowment fund for operations.  Money raised through the local fundraising effort is also part of the operations endowment fund. 

As construction moves forward, Kroc Center staff will continue to work closely with project architects from Berners-Schober Associates and Barker Rinker Seacat, as well as with the project’s general contractor, Miron Construction. 

While construction is underway, planning continues on programming, including collaborative efforts with a number of community partners.  The Kroc Center will have educational and academic programs, as well as family enhancement programs for the neighborhood and beyond.  

In addition, there will be health, fitness, wellness and recreational programs for families and individuals of all ages, from the very young to senior citizens.