Amid his incoming retirement from coaching, many will reminisce Bob Daniels’ name for incredible achievements on the ice; however, a campaign has begun to put his name on a special project in the Big Rapids community.

Hemlock Park recently went through a renovation of an old wooden playscape that had been a hotspot for kids since 1996. What many might not know is it was the help of the head coach, and especially his late wife Leslie, that gave the playground its home.

“When we received the grant for the new playground, I instantly thought of contacting Pat Klarecki and Coach Daniels,” Fundraising leader Jon Coles said. “Pat and the late Leslie Daniels spearheaded the funding and building of the original Playscape.”

Klarecki, a marketing and digital media professor at Ferris State, along with the Daniels family, were supported by the city and community to put the playscape in. Once constructed, Coach Daniels and his team helped maintain the playscape woodchip floor and painted the structure for many of the 24 years it stood until its demolition this past August.

Now with the help of Coles and fellow hockey alum Nick Scheible, the program wants to raise $20,000 to help with the new playground maintenance and build a plaque to honor Leslie and Bob.

“Coach Daniels was the perfect fit for Ferris State and Big Rapids,” Coles said. “His Midwest values, including the down to earth personality, humor, wit, and caring demeanor, has made him a treasure for our community.”

The city has confirmed they will re-name the park if the fundraising goal is met. Coles, who has led the Hemlock Park Improvement efforts, says it couldn’t just Bob’s name on the plaque.

“He’s a family guy, so naming it the Daniels Family Playground fits him and how he would want it. He would never want it just about him. That’s the type of guy he is.”

As of Monday, Jan. 20, the fundraiser has over $5,000 raised already. For more information on the fundraiser and donating, visit https://givebutter.com/5Y0Q6Z.