New building to be a four-season headquarters for athletes, programs and more
updated
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 12:42 PM
KILLINGTON-Vermont Adaptive, in partnership with the Pico Ski
Education Foundation, plans to break ground on a new
state-of-the-art $1.3 million access-for-all building at Pico
Mountain this summer. On Feb. 1, Erin Fernandez, executive director
of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, publicly announced that the
organization is officially underway with the first phase of its
new, three-phase, three-location Permanent Homes Campaign at Pico
Mountain.
Phase I of the campaign, which includes partnering with the Pico
Ski Education Foundation, will provide a permanent home for Vermont
Adaptive's state headquarters and the first year-round adaptive
sports center in Vermont. Vermont Adaptive currently uses space
provided by Pico Mountain for its programming and state
headquarters.
The collaborative partnership between Vermont Adaptive and the Pico
Ski Education Foundation brings opportunities for creating a
dynamic, multi-use building. The name PEAK represents the values
the two organizations share and plan to bring to life: performance,
excellence, ability, and knowledge.
"We've joined forces with the Pico Ski Education Foundation to
build this new building, a flagship, four-season headquarters for
athletes, programs, participants, volunteers, and events for both
organizations," said Fernandez. "By pooling financial resources and
responsibility for the building, both non-profits will be able to
bring their respective organizations into the future. We're very
excited about the possibilities this new permanent building holds
for our growing organization, which creates access for all. Most
importantly, officials at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain are
excited and supportive of our efforts. We couldn't do this without
them."
Resort officials have offered the land necessary to complete the
project. "We are thrilled to be partnering with both the Pico Ski
Foundation and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports in their efforts to
build a new state-of-the-art facility," said Tracy Taylor of
Killington and Pico Mountain. "We believe in the great work of both
organizations and provide full support to realize their
vision."
Fundraising began last spring to raise approximately $1.3 million
for the state-of-the art building and sustainability fund. The
organizations expect to raise $800,000 in cash, with the rest of
the funding coming through in-kind donations.
Vermont Adaptive will own the first floor of the 6,000 sq. ft.
facility. Located between the existing Pico Ski Club building and
the Pico Base Lodge, the facility will connect to both buildings
via outdoor balconies and decks on the second floor. The building
is specifically designed for participants in Vermont Adaptive's
programs, providing easy accessibility for all, regardless of one's
disability. An elevator will connect the first and second
floors.
Plans for the building were designed by NBF Architects of Rutland.
First floor plans include more than 1,000 sq. ft. for programs, a
Chill Zone (or quiet room) for those participants who need a
reprieve from constant stimulation; a workshop and storage area to
protect and maintain the valuable adaptive equipment that costs
between $1,500 and $5,000 per piece; state headquarter offices for
Vermont Adaptive administrative and program staff, maximized
program space with room for wheelchairs, equipment, supplies,
instructors, and even a place for guide dogs to rest.
The Pico Ski Education Foundation will own the second floor, using
the space for offices, events, indoor physical training,
conferences and functions.
At press time, Vermont Adaptive and the Pico Ski Education
Foundation had received multiple donations from a variety of
supporters including significant seed money from the Gibney Family
Foundation and other businesses, individuals and families. Gifts
and donations are being accepted in all sizes and will be
recognized in the new building. Visit www.vermontadaptive.org
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round
disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the
most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized
equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers
equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational
opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other
winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock
climbing, tennis, horseback riding, and more.
The Pico Ski Education Foundation is dedicated to giving young
athletes opportunities to pursue their dreams by enabling them to
learn sound technical skills, good sportsmanship, healthy
competitiveness and an appreciation for the spirit of skiing and
for the mountains themselves.
Tagged:
Pico Ski Education Foundation, Vermont Adaptive, Pico
