Essentia Health Sports Center renovations provide increased access for disabled

His dad Scott Villwock, stricken with Huntington's disease, has used a wheelchair for the past two years. The family loves hockey, both its pace and teamwork. It gives them a way to embrace winter. Cade, now 11, has been playing hockey since he was 4 years old. His sister, Quin, 12, also plays pond hockey. The sport has been an important element of the family's life for years.

The recent upgrades to the sports center were focused on improving the experience for those who are disabled. An elevator now provides access to the warm second floor. Gary Villwock, Scott's dad, said they have their own favorite spot overlooking the Gold Medal Arena, settling Scott's wheelchair in the viewing area. Down below, hockey players flew across the ice during drills.

"It's amazing," Kristi Villwock said of the difference for her husband. "Before with the boards as high as they are, he couldn't see over the boards."

Gary Villwock would lift his adult son and prop him up so he could see the action on the ice. They'd wear snowmobile suits to stay warm. As a family, they've been rink regulars for eight years. Scott attends practices, home and away games. Lola Villwock, Scott's mother, said when her son sees Cade skate, it puts a sparkle in his eyes.

It was difficult to keep track of Cade with the action at eye-level. Previously, the only way to access the second story was a long flight of steps. An elevator was installed to make the second floor wheelchair accessible. Upstairs a ramp provides easy viewing of the Gold Medal Arena. The elevated vantage point, in a warm spot, allows Scott to see his young son on the ice and keep up with the action. "He can be in either arena and see that and be warm," Kristi Villwock said. "He couldn't even get up here before at all. ... it's huge."

She said the wheelchair access isn't something people think about until they need it.

"I think this is the perfect place for people who are handicapped," Quin Villwock said.

Shawn Sundquist, Brainerd Amateur Hockey Association Board of Directors president, said it means Scott Villwock is able to see his child grow up doing something he loves to do. Cade said he doesn't even mind getting up at 6 a.m. during the school year or 7 a.m. in the summer to spend time on the ice.

"I just like skating," Cade said, adding he's pleased with the changes to the sports center. "It makes me happy because my dad could hardly see where I was. Now he can actually see where I am and what I'm doing so he can actually give me tips and stuff."

For players and fans, updates to the sports center are making for a better experience from an updated locker room with a now functioning restroom to more warm viewing areas. The second floor now has a full kitchen. Concession stand windows are now wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms on the second floor were expanded and redone to be American with Disabilities Act compliant. The upstairs women's bathroom went from two stalls to six. Overall, the bathroom facilities nearly doubled. A changing table was added for those with young children.

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Essentia Health Sports Center renovations provide increased access for disabled