Friends of Oak Hill Newsletter #19
Summer is here and there is a lot happening at Oak Hill. Most important, we on the Board of Directors are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Hussey as the General Manager of the Center. Some of you know Mike, who joins the OHOC from Middlebury College where he was recently the General Manager of ski operations at the Rikert Outdoor Center and the Middlebury Snowbowl.
Mike spent 14 years at Middlebury and established Rikert as one of the premier Nordic ski venues in the Northeast. He will join our own Korry Vargo as they team up to take Oak Hill to the next level as a multi-sport recreational venue. Korry will remain in his role as Operations Manager after having done such a stellar job launching our first year of operations. As Korry noted, "Its great to have Mike join the team this season. Really looking forward to working together with someone with his experience and knowledge of nordic centers. I think this is a really exciting integration into our ski community.”
“The opportunity to work with Korry and the team of volunteers at Oak Hill, and the communities of the Upper Valley, is very exciting. This is an amazing project with a tremendous vision,” commented Hussey. “Managing the Middlebury Ski Areas has been a great experience and I look forward to this new opportunity to create a variety of programs in a community that so enthusiastically supports outdoor activities all year round.”
Mike and Korry are already working hard on the summer initiatives. The campground areas were regraded and redressed earlier in May, in time for the opening of Storrs Pond. Lighting installation on the trail system is underway, with pole placement happening this week. The parking lot paving project is well underway and will be completed soon. Some of the trail repairs have already been completed, and design work is underway to add a connector trail between the north and south loops that will offer a somewhat less challenging course. Meanwhile, the new equipment shed is under construction and the warming hut project will begin soon. Thanks to Peter and Matt for working with Mike and Korry to coordinate and supervise the construction projects.
Although the above activities are more than enough to keep the team busy, they are equally focused on planning for the second season of skiing, as well as the other activities we hope will round out the recreational offerings of the Center. Event and race schedules are in the works for the 2024-2025 season, including the NCAA national championship races next March. A mountain bike trail study is underway to plan for the design and installation of new and upgraded MTB trails. Improved disc golf facilities are under discussion for future years. All these activities need to be supported by an engaged crew of volunteers under the direction of Mike and Korry. If you are interested, and haven’t filled out the volunteer form, please add your name now.
Below are a few pictures of recent work at the Center. Stop by if you want to get a look at what is happening.
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