In August of 2020 Inspiring Community, as planned, handed over the Broske Center to the City of Platteville
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This postcard from the early 1900s shows the first Art Hall, the building with the cupola.
Volunteer of the Year
A Volunteer Effort
Inspiring Community Inc. relies on the selfless efforts of our community members who lend their ideas, energy, and time to the planning and completion of community projects. Our volunteers do not expect compensation for their efforts, but rather, recognize the importance of giving back to the community as they work to make our area better for their families, their friends, and their neighbors.
We appreciate the time, effort, and money given by all of our volunteers and donors, and we continue to recognize a special individual each year whose efforts have gone above and beyond.
2024
Christina Oxenford Burr
In 2019, Christina first shared her dream of a playground for all with a small group of people. The pandemic intervened, and it wasn't until 2021 that that discussion resumed with a larger group of activists who clearly defined and articulated the vision for an inclusive playground. Enthusiasm was great, but the cost projections were significant. The City of Platteville applied for and received a $1.9 million CDBG-CV grant in support of the project. Volunteers committed to a PIP campaign to raise the remaining funds (over $700,000) needed to bring the project to life. The playground officially opened in June of 2023. A drive past Smith Park, nearly any day of the year, reveals the Platteville Inclusive Playground as a major attraction for families from throughout our region. It is children and Christina Oxenford Burr's passion for the community and for meaningful and intentional play for ALL that has resulted in Platteville's Inclusive Playground.
2023
Eileen Nickels
Eileen is a known and respected volunteer leader in Southwest Wisconsin. Her initial public service, in the 1970s, was as a Girl Scout Leader. She has also volunteered her service and expertise with two local service clubs - Platteville Quota Club and Platteville Optimists - as well as serving on the Platteville Chamber Board. Eileen served, with distinction, on the Platteville City Council from 1996 to 2023, chairing or acting as pro tem for the majority of those years. She is a current volunteer with Platteville's Main Street Program, chairing the Economic Vitalization Committee, and serves on the boards of the Platteville Community Fund, PHS Fund, and Inspiring Community. Additionally, Eileen is active with the Grant County Economic Development corporation, having served as its president. She is an appointed commissioner to the Southwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and continues to serve on the Platteville Fire Facility Steering Committee. Eileen has served on the Southwest Wisconsin Technical College board of directors, leaving that board in August of 2020 after 14 years of service. As the chair of that board, she worked with the Wisconsin Technical College System board and officials from across the state. Eileen has also served on the board of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and remains an active member of its lobbying corps. Inspiring Community Inc. is proud to recognize Eileen Nickels who is a community builder, not only for Platteville, but for all of our Southwest Wisconsin region.
2022
Bill Grutz
Inspiring Community, Inc. selected Bill Grutz as the Volunteer of the Year in 2022. Bill worked as IT Manager for the Platteville School District for 21 years. He also assisted in the establishment of the Platteville Community Area Network (PCAN). Since retiring, Bill has continued to help build the Platteville Community. In 2020, Bill and his wife Dena, along with others, formed the Platteville Area Pickleball Association (PAPA). Bill was a part of the steering committee which worked to envision the courts, raise the funds to build, and was 'on site' during construction. The 8-court complex, located in Legion Park, opened in the fall of 2021.
2020
Sherri Engelke
Sheri Engelke is a humble, trustworthy, get-it-done volunteer. Sheri has embraced the construction of the Broske Center as if it were her own. She worked in developing the plan; she worked with the contractors in implementing the plan; and she has been diligent in inspecting each and every aspect of this new event center. Sheri has also been a key to the successful fund-raising (note: the primary funding for the Broske Center is gifts and gifts-in-kind). This over-one-million-dollar facility will serve this community for years and years to come (likely for the next century). Inspiring Community, Inc. has been honored to work with such a dedicated community servant who has effectively nurtured partnerships that will benefit this community forever.
