Construction on sports facility expected to begin this fall

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has donated $100,000 to support the Timberlake High School Field House, a project that will provide a place for youth in northern Kootenai County to stay active throughout the year.

"Timberlake High School staff, students, community members and myself want to send a sincere thank you to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for their support of the Timberlake High School Field House Project," Timberlake Principal Ryne Eberlin said. "The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s $100,000 donation will positively impact the Spirit Lake, Athol, Bayview, Twin Lakes and surrounding areas for years to come."

The donation and recognition have been a year in the making. Eberlin said when he met with Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council Chairman Chief Allan in spring 2024 to discuss the field house project, Allan understood the importance of youth staying active and the benefits to the school and community the project would provide.

"Chief and I both grew up in North Idaho and understand how important community and opportunity is for our next generation and current citizens," Eberlin said. "Extracurricular opportunities teach so many life lessons and support academics."

In July 2024, Timberlake's bookkeeper called Eberlin with news that the school had received the Tribe's donation.

So far, Eberlin said $700,000 has been raised and another $400,000 is needed to complete flooring and other phases that will make the facility optimally accessible to the community.

The facility will be a 90-by-120-foot steel structure with bathrooms and storage. It will provide space for baseball, softball, golf, track and field, soccer, basketball and other activities, with K-12 youth athletics prioritized followed by community needs.

The Timberlake High School Field House Project is funded by donations.

"The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is a huge supporter of education," Allan told The Press. "Athletics are a vital part of a balanced and rounded educational experience, teaching kids invaluable lessons about hard work and, of course, healthy lifestyles. The field house project will go a long way to supporting athletic opportunities at Timberlake and is a great fit for the Tribe's priorities."

In the two years since the project was announced, Eberlin said fundraising has consumed his summer months, nights and weekends.

"I have really enjoyed meeting everyone and discussing the importance of this project for the community," he said. "I have found everyone to be willing to listen. Although only half of the meetings resulted in success, the drive to help people has kept me going."

He said he is ready to see this facility built, but a little more support is needed through in-kind and cash donations.

"I hope a few more folks can step up," he said. 

All of the geotechnical work, surveying and architectural plans have been completed. The electrical and gas connections and agreements have been completed thanks to Perry Huston and Salmon Electric, Eberlin said. 

Next steps:

• Bid documents are available. The project has been posted to the architectswestplans.com as well as other plan rooms.
•  The bid is open for earthwork, steel building package and foundation.  

Assuming all goes well and funds are in place, construction is expected to begin this fall. Building will be completed as funds are raised for the interior finishes such as flooring, athletic equipment, parking and landscaping.

"I’d like to see it open by summer 2026," Eberlin said.

Info: [email protected]

    With a $100,000 donation from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the Timberlake Field House Project — funded 100% by private donations — is getting closer to its fundraising goal.