Per Duluth Public Schools policy 810, "Naming Rights and Naming School Facilities," the Business Services Department is notifying the public that a naming rights request was submitted for Public School Stadium. Therefore, naming rights requests for Public School Stadium is open for submission to all until 4:30 p.m. April 10. Submissions can be sent to Brett Mensing at brett.mensing@isd709.org.
With permission of the requesters, here is information on the naming rights request, which triggered this notification:
Concluding a four-year planning process, The Public School Stadium Re-Naming Committee has submitted a formal
proposal to rename the stadium located at Denfeld High School as “Walt Hunting Stadium - Marv Heikkinen Field”.
This formal committee consists of the following community leaders and youth:
- 28 Year Duluth Public Schools Educator and current Denfeld Principal - Tom Tusken
- 31 Year Duluth Public Schools Educator and current Denfeld Activities Director - Tom Pearson
- 31 Year Duluth Public Schools Educator, Creator of Denfeld Alumni Association and Denfeld Historian - Joe Vukelich
- 20+ Year Volunteer Advocate for West Duluth/Equity and School Board Member - Alanna Oswald
- 18 Year Western Duluth Volunteer, Former Denfeld Coach, Past PTA President and Hockey Day MN leader - Tim Doyle
- Denfeld “GOLDS” Diverse Student Leadership Group
An essential component of honoring these distinguished Hunters is also to recognize the significant achievements of so many other legends who have contributed to the Heritage of the historic Public School Stadium. The Re-Naming Committee has thoughtfully connected with Duluth Central Alumni Leadership and Morgan Park Alumni Leadership soliciting their ownership to design Recognition Pillars representing their school’s foundational impact on the history of these grounds. There is a plan in place to honor teams, athletes and accomplishments from the many other sports of significance as well.
The Duluth Public Schools Policy and process to grant naming rights at school facilities are well defined and the renaming committee mentioned above has navigated a complex process to meet all requirements. This includes, but is not limited to multiple committee meetings with community stakeholders, formal proposal presentations/ meetings with district administration, Business Services and Committee of the Whole School Board Meeting.
The Public School Stadium Re-Naming Committee’s selection of “Walt Hunting Stadium - Marv Heikkinen Field” is definitive and these are some of the impressive top-line achievements by these distinguished Denfeld Hunters.
The Public School Stadium Re-Naming Committee asks that you reach out with suggestions to honor distinguished student-athletes, coaches or teams of Duluth Denfeld, Duluth Central and Morgan Park high schools. As a Heritage Pavillon evolves, there will be dedicated spaces for such outstanding individuals.
Please reach out to your respective community contact:
- Duluth Denfeld PSS Heritage Contact
- Tim Doyle: heritageofpss@gmail.com
- Duluth Central PSS Heritage Contact
- Barb Darland: heritageofpss@gmail.com
- Morgan Park PSS Heritage Contact
- Julie Lowe: heritageofpss@gmail.com
View the group's proposal to the School Board.