Northwoods Sports Recreations and Community Center was formed in spring 2023 with plans to revitalize the 9-acre property on U.S. 141.

“This facility is something this area really needs,” NSRCC founder and director Amanda Cox said. “Not only does it provide services, it’s a place where the community can gather and enjoy their time together.”

Cox said about $1 million is needed to secure the property, plus another $2 million to complete all the renovations.

“We want to be able to purchase it so it stays available for years to come,” she said.

THE GYMNASIUM inside the Northwoods Sports Recreations and Community Center on U.S. 141 in Beecher, Wis. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Because both buildings sat vacant for some time — the church about eight to 10 years and the community center and gym about two years — they will require a lot of work.

“Everything we raised over the last several months has gone back into the buildings just so we can operate,” Cox said. “I see the potential, but also see the dollar signs — that’s where I need the community help.”

Cox became familiar with the space after her mother, Deanna Brown, owner of The Northwoods Therapist, saw an advertisement looking for someone to rent space and oversee the property.

“When I was helping my mom move her office, I fell in love with the building and realized it had amazing potential,” Cox said.

After obtaining the 501(c)(3) status, Cox and a group of volunteers got to work organizing fundraisers, starting with their first meat raffle last May.

THE EXTERIOR OF the Northwoods Sports Recreations and Community Center on U.S. 141 in Beecher, Wis. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Over the past year, they hosted a variety of activities including a Glow Party, craft fairs, art classes, Halloween Carnival and bingo night that continues every other Friday in the community center.

“We want to add higher-price prizes to encourage more people to come out,” she said, adding that any business willing to donate prize items would be greatly appreciated.

In addition to concession sales, they plan to add a 50-50 during bingo night.

A popular fundraiser has been their semi-pro wrestling events in the gym.

“It’s a lot of fun and entertaining,” Cox said. “They put on a show for you — the kids have a blast with it.”

NORTHWOODS SPORTS RECREATIONS and Community Center recently opened a resale shop at the lower level of the facility at N1711 U.S. 141 in Beecher, Wis. The new non-profit is raising funds to purchase the former Faith Baptist Church. Amanda Cox, NSRCC founder and director, works in the shop. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

The Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine School District donated weightlifting equipment for public use in the fitness area.

Fitness classes will be offered in the near future by a licensed instructor.

“We want to get the gym open more often,” Cox said. “It’s an amazing space — I can visualize basketball and volleyball nights, even a dodgeball tournament.”

Cox noted the space will allow them to accommodate up to about 1,000 in just the community building.

In the future, organizers hope to extend its large outdoor space to include a batting cage, soccer field and an outdoor volleyball court.

Last year, they received a mini-grant from the M&M Area Community Foundation to fix up the existing playground equipment.

Volunteers are working to try to get the facility open on a daily basis, but that will depend on finances. “Once we can keep funds coming in, we will be able to have more programs to keep us open,” she said.

The facility has created community services to include a free community meal and a monthly food pantry distribution. Anyone in need can reach out to volunteers through Facebook at any time and to get access to food within 24 hours.

Volunteers are now working with Ruby’s Pantry to deliver to the Pembine, Wis., area. They are currently driving to purchase four to five shares — which is $25 to receive $200 to $300 worth of food — for the NSRCC Food Pantry.

Cooking classes that are offered will give demonstrations on how to prepare dishes from items from the food pantry.

In early December, Cox opened a resale store in the lower level of the main building. They have clothing from infant to plus sizes, along with shoes, accessories, toys, home goods and outdoor items.

“We offer quality items at low prices, without having to run to Iron Mountain or Green Bay,” she said, adding that all items in the shop have been donated with all proceeds going to the NSRCC.

They are currently open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Donations will be accepted during store hours.

They hope to have their technology center completed in the near future. All the computers were donated by the School District of Niagara.

“People who don’t have access to a computer or internet on a regular basis are welcome to come and utilize the equipment and printers,” she said.

Because of the limited access to shopping in the area, volunteers want to add a mini-mart, to offer fresh meats, vegetables, fruit, milk, butter and eggs.

They also hope to get more businesses in the space, including a consignment shop.

“We are trying to bring more in — it will be a one-stop shop,” Cox said.

The first fundraising event for the year will be a Winter Carnival on Feb. 10, featuring a chili cook-off, bonfire, bounce houses, concessions, raffle and more.

“Should we get any more snow, they will have a snowman-building competition,” she said.

Cost will be $5 per person, which includes the chili tasting.

On March 10, the NSRCC will host a three-on-three basketball tournament for youth in second through eighth grade.

“This will be our first big sporting event here,” Cox said. “We are really excited.”

Registration is due Feb. 18 and forms are available on the Facebook page.

“This is a great way for the kids to get some practice in for the Gus Macker (summer tournament in Iron Mountain),” she added.

NSRCC is seeking gowns and accessories for their upcoming Cinderella Experience, to benefit area teens who need assistance to attend prom.

A Ladies Night Out sponsorship fundraiser kicks the two-night event off March 15.

Dresses and accessories will be set up for sponsorship. Sponsors will able to leave a note of encouragement attached to that piece.

All money raised will go to have girls’ hair and makeup done for the night of the prom.

On March 23, young ladies can enjoy an afternoon shopping for their entire prom attire with their “fairy Godmother” and leave feeling like Cinderella, Cox said.

Kenneth James Salon will be on site to do hair and nails for the girls.

“It’s going to be encouraging and empowering,” Cox said. “I’m excited — I hope to make it an annual event.”

Cox expressed her appreciation to the core group of volunteers who have helped her with all the accomplishments.

“My crazy ideas wouldn’t be anything without them,” she said.

Volunteers are welcome at any time for the weekly activities or special events.

The recreation center at N1711 U.S. 141 in Beecher, is available for rent to the public for birthday parties, weddings, reunions or other events. Rental will include access to the large community area, gymnasium and kitchen.

Original plans were just to get the gym and community center ready for the public to utilize. “That grew into having a resale store and all the other events,” said Cox. “The support I have been shown up to this point has been amazing and I hope to keep it going.”

Her goal is that in addition to all the fundraising they find a large sponsor or sponsors to help procure the building.

She explained the NSRCC is working with the current owners — an Iowa company — that have allowed them to use the facility with the intent to purchase.

“They have been amazing, but it’s very nerve-racking not having it secured — I don’t want to lose it for the community. I want to be something that will flourish for years to come.”

For more information and to see updates on coming events and community service, go to the Northwoods Sports Recreations and Community Center Facebook page at NSRCC WI.