In August, 1935 the Green Bay Packers held their first off-site training camp practice at Sarocka Field in Rhinelander.
81 years later, the city of Rhinelander is moving forward to attempt to build a series of markers to note the historic event. Jenny Bonardelli is on the Rhinelander Historical Commission. The Commission requested a design for a memorial through Leadership Oneida County. Sarocka Park is not far from the Oneida County Courthouse.
Bonardelli says the proposed design has 11 vertical panels, staggered along the Rives Street entry with some paving and adjacent fencing rework. She says she worked with the city parks department to find the best outcome...
"....the panels we're proposing will be a natural finish, something that wouldn't be needing touch up. The crushed granite, for instance, would also be low maintenance...."
Contained on the panels would be a narrative on the Packers significance as well as other local sports history. She says Earl "Curly" Lambeau wanted a place tucked away where the team could concentrate on football...
"....1935, Coach "Curly" Lambeau scouted the area and chose the site because of it's remote location. He felt it would be a good spot where they could focus. They were there about a week and it was the first off-site Packers training camp that was ever held..."
With this design put together by Leadership Oneida County candidates, the Commission can now approach the Packers organization to aid in funding via a grant application due June 30.
