SPIRIT LAKE — If you build it, kids will play. 

That’s the spirit behind the new Timberlake High School Community Field House.

With funding from Silverwood Theme Park, Jordan and Amy Redman, Idaho Central Credit Union and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the $800,000 construction project broke ground as part of Phase One on Tuesday morning. 

After working for three and a half years to close the funding gap to turn a dream into a reality for the Tigers, Principal Ryne Eberlin gathered families, community members, staff and private donors who made the multi-purpose athletic facility possible. 

“It means the world to me and it’s going to mean the world to Athol and Bayview and Spirit Lake,” Eberlin said. “I’d like everybody to be a part of this history and celebrate with us.” 

The new field house offers a year-round activity space for youth, families and retirees of Spirit Lake, Athol, Bayview, Twin Lakes and the surrounding North Idaho areas to gather and hone athletic skills. 

“This will change a lot of lives from young kids to retired folks to give access to everyone as much as possible,” Eberlin said. 

The project was funded entirely through donations. Phases Two and Three include an expansion and restrooms.

Paul Norton said the deep bonds between Timberlake students and Silverwood goes back a long way, and he was excited to help student-athletes gain resources to work on building their skills. 

“We’re neighbors and it goes hand in hand,” Norton said. “This area has been growing so rapidly for the past few years and these kids need somewhere to go.” 

Rep. Jordan Redman of Coeur d'Alene said he was excited to see this kind of project grow resources for students in their backyard. 

“I played sports here and my wife went here and was senior class president,” Redman said. “They’re supporting the kids in the community so I’m excited to see that.” 

The initial structure will be 90 feet by 72 feet and focus on core indoor court surfaces to accommodate basketball, volleyball, pickleball and community gatherings. 

Phase Two is expected to cost about $350,000 and expand the facility footprint to a 90-foot by 120-foot footprint to add storage facilities and specialized indoor athletic upgrades, including drop-down batting/throwing cages for baseball and softball as well as durable indoor turf for year-round field practice.  

Phase Three includes completion of the full complex and turnkey facility with a bathroom, storage, dedicated exterior parking and complete interior sports flooring and will cost about $650,000. 

“We're looking for a resource for the community where kids have a safe place to go to stay active and be part of the team and learn all the things you learn from sports and athletics,” Eberlin said. 

 To find out more about the project, email Eberlin at [email protected].

    Jordan Redman, Darin Meeks, Paul Norton, Heather Morgan and Ryne Eberlin officially broke ground for the new Timberlake High School Field House on Friday. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by November.