Springs Rec Center Design plans

Clip from an article in the TRUE DAKOTAN, dated 12/16/2020:

An outpouring of requests from the community to honor the late Jackie Johnson at the Springs Rec Center has prompted a collaboration between the Johnson family and Build Springs Committee. Together this week, they announce plans for a special “Wall of Hope” within the center to celebrate the longtime Wessington Springs resident, cancer advocate and champion of overall health and wellness.

“Throughout her 10 year battle and journey with cancer, she could not have been in a more supportive community. She always knew how blessed she was to have such support,” said Johnson’s daughter, Lacey Babich on behalf of the Johnson family. “With that, we know she would want to do whatever she could to give back to the community that gave her so much. And although she may not physically be here to do so, we could not think of a better way to give back in her name and honor. To help a project that would benefit all the things that she believed in, would be a blessing for not only her, but our family…in remembering her and the love and gratitude she had for so many.”

Build Springs Committee members said that the “Wall of Hope” is a tribute dedicated to the memory of a faith-filled, inspirational woman who made a positive impact on the community as a whole.

“Feeling blessed by the support of this great community, Jackie Johnson’s love of all things youth, sports, health/wellness, music and family is coming to light. A new, 13,000 square-foot space such as the Springs Rec Center offers this great community everything that Jackie loved all under one roof,” said members of the Build Springs Committee. “Jackie’s family understands the love and pride she felt living in Wessington Springs, and continues to show their gratitude by allowing others to honor Jackie Johnson through the fundraising efforts for the Springs Rec Center.” 

The “Wall of Hope” will feature an inspirational quote highlighted within a design made up of decorative beads in varying colors — bronze, silver, gold and rose gold — coinciding with the following giving levels: Bronze Bead$1,000 - $2,499, Silver Bead $2,500 - $4,999, Gold Bead $5,000 - $9,999, Rose Gold Bead $10,000+. The minimum amount to be listed on the Wall of Hope is $1,000. All donations, regardless of size, will be applied towards the $250,000 needed for the Wall of Hope. 

“It’s neat that Build Springs was approached to honor Jackie,” said Middle/High School Principal and Athletic Director Jason Kolousek. “Jackie and her parents would walk in the gym during winter months. She was also the longtime treasurer of the athletic boosters and served as the main booster for quite a long time.”