Baird Sledding Hill & Park Campaign

---

This year’s Leadership Aberdeen class invites you to join them in supporting a campaign to raise funds to install a snow-making machine at the existing Baird Hill, located on the north side of Aberdeen.  The man-made snow would vastly increase the use of the hill for recreational sledding.

The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department of the City of Aberdeen has committed to contribute 50% of the cost of this project, if the Leadership Aberdeen group can raise the rest.  The City has a master plan in place for Baird Park and this would be phase one of that plan. The total cost of the project will be about $100,000, which means the class will need to raise $50,000.

The Leadership Aberdeen class is seeking the support of multiple local businesses to help fund the project, as well as organizing fundraisers, including a pub crawl on April 27th, to raise money.  Due to the City’s budgeting process and the class’s fundraising efforts, the project is expected to be completed for the 2025-2026 season.

The impact this project will have on the community is significant.  Aberdeen does not have many outdoor winter activities.  Through research, we know that about 25% of the population in Aberdeen is under the age of 18.  Not to say that some adults wouldn’t enjoy the hill as well, but it is interesting to realize the number of young people and families that would potentially use it. The City of Aberdeen, and other community-based groups, have and are continuing to try to increase winter activities. It is viewed as a workforce retention and quality-of-life effort. We understand that our winters can be viewed negatively by some, so we need to do all we can to highlight the positives of living in Aberdeen and South Dakota during the winter months.

Having adequate snow on the sled hill is the first step in the process. Once that is completed, the City hopes to continue investing in a variety of other winter activities at this location including a warming hut, cross-country ski trail, outdoor hockey/curling rink, etc.

We hope that you will consider a donation to this project. If you would like a sponsorship form, click HERE. If you need additional information, please reach out to the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce at info@aberdeen-chamber.com or (605) 225-2860.

About this event and the Leadership Aberdeen Program

This campaign is being organized by the 2024 Leadership Aberdeen class, a program of the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce.  Proceeds raised by this campaign and the Beers for Baird  Park Pub Crawl will be directed to the City of Aberdeen for purchase and installation of snow-making equipment for Baird Hill starting in the 2025-2026 season.

Leadership Aberdeen is a comprehensive leadership training program facilitated by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce. The program provides participants with the opportunity to sharpen their skills, share their experiences, and make life-long connections with fellow participants. Participants follow a 12-week curriculum which focuses on growing their individual skills by focusing on leadership attributes.

The class also gains broader knowledge of the businesses, opportunities and challenges in our community through tours of local businesses and hearing from local leaders on company philosophies, goals, and success stories. Plus, the class gives back to the community by facilitating a local project, like this, that will have a positive impact on the Aberdeen community.

For information on the Beers for Baird Park Pub Crawl, click HERE

Baird Park Marker

About Baird Park

This portion of the Baird farm was donated by Roger, Virginia and Howard Baird in 2001 to the citizens of Aberdeen for their use as a park and recreational area in recognition of the wonderful childhood and educational experiences they received growing up in Aberdeen. They hoped that cherished memories would be created here long into the future by children of all ages.

To see the Baird Hill Master Plan, click HERE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Click HERE to Print

King of the Hill $5000+

• Company name listed on sponsor board recognizing King of the Hill sponsorship.
• Picture with large check posted on social media and Aberdeen chamber website.

Platinum $2,500 – $4,999

• Company name listed on sponsor board recognizing Platinum sponsorship.
• Picture with large check posted on social media and Aberdeen chamber website.

Gold $1,000 – $2,499

• Company name listed on sponsor board recognizing Gold sponsorship.
• Picture with large check posted on social media and Aberdeen chamber website.

Silver $500 – $999

• Company name listed on sponsor board recognizing Silver sponsorship.
• Picture with large check posted on social media and Aberdeen chamber website.

Bronze $ UP TO $499

• Name listed as donor on Aberdeen chamber website.

Please send your choice of sponsorship level and payment to Gail Ochs, 516 S Main St, Aberdeen, SD 57401 or e-mail to gail@aberdeen-chamber.com. Make checks payable to City of Aberdeen or Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department