Redman family donates $200K to Timberlake sports facility project

SPIRIT LAKE — A local family with a deep love for Timberlake High School and the Lakeland Joint School District has given a large gift to a project that will be a boon to young athletes and community members in the Lakeland area for generations to come.

Jordan and Amy Redman donated $200,000 Monday to the community-funded Timberlake Fieldhouse Project, a planned indoor recreational sports facility that is scheduled to break ground on the Timberlake High campus in April.

"My wife, Amy, graduated from Timberlake, and I was homeschooled, but played sports at Timberlake," Jordan Redman said. "We both have a dear love for Timberlake High School and the 272 School District. We are very happy to be a part of this awesome community project."

The facility will be constructed to provide a place for residents in northern Kootenai County, including the Bayview, Spirit Lake, Athol and Twin Lakes areas, to practice baseball, softball, golf, track and field, soccer, basketball or other activities.

"Our winters often last six to eight months," Timberlake Principal Ryne Eberlin said. "Our students, community members, young families and retired folks need a place to stay active indoors."

Eberlin said his vision is that community groups will have the ability to use the building every day for activities such as pickleball or simply going for walks in the winter months.

"I have dreamed of a facility where the community can stay active year-round," he said. "I knew it would take nearly $1 million, and I knew the campus of Timberlake High School was the only option. I spent early mornings, late nights, weekends, summer, holidays and drove many miles meeting with business owners and leaders. I had all positive interactions with local leaders and I have developed many new lifetime friendships."

The first phase — covering lumber, roofing, walls, lighting, concrete, flooring and insulation — is expected to cost $900,000. The project will involve a wood-framed 80-by-120-foot pole building, which will have lighting, heat and insulation. Water or septic won't be available during Phase 1. Pending fundraising efforts this winter and spring, the inside for Phase 1 will have two retractable batting cages, three pickleball courts and a full-sized basketball court. The structure will sit to the south of the Timberlake football field in the vacant grassy area.

It's estimated the four-phase fieldhouse project will cost $1.55 million once all is said and done.

Plans for the facility were announced in January 2024 as Silverwood Theme Park offered its support through an initial $200,000 donation. Just over $700,000 in monetary donations and approximately $200,000 of in-kind donations have been collected so far. All fundraising will go through the Lakeland School District. Another $450,000 will help make the project a reality.

Any entity that uses the facility will be required to follow the current building use regulations and protocol put in place by the district, Eberlin said.

"Timberlake High School athletics will be first priority, followed by community needs," he said.

The fieldhouse will tentatively celebrate its grand opening in the fall, pending fundraising goals.

Eberlin said he and Redman first met in 2002 when they were playing high school football and basketball.

"He was a great athlete and a fierce competitor," Eberlin said. "I saw him a few times throughout the years, but it wasn’t until he had nephews participating in sports at THS that we reconnected. We have met at least a dozen times to discuss this project and we both strongly believe that athletics teach endless life lessons like teamwork, hard work, commitment and sacrifice."

Redman said he appreciates Eberlin’s leadership in making this happen for the local kids.

"I believe that this is the best part of the community coming together for a worthy cause," Redman said. "Go Tigers!"

    A rendering of the future Timberlake Fieldhouse.