A tragedy on a fall day in November 2004 changed Wisconsin’s north woods and the hunting community across the country forever.  Family, friends and strangers came together from near and far in the aftermath of the senseless shootings, searching for answers and sharing grief.  Now, the Heart of the North Builders Association (HNBA) works to move past the horror and ensure the legacy of that day is one of unity, compassion and enlightenment. 
With the support of the hunters’ families, HNBA celebrates the lives of those who left us that day, including one of their own members, through the construction of a commemorative park in the City of Rice Lake. Creating an outdoor gathering place for picnicking, playing and reflecting fits with what the lost hunters cared most about—family, friends, sport and enjoying nature.
As a charitable project, funding for this park came from the HNBA fund of the Wisconsin Builders Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. HNBA members donated many thousands of dollars in time, labor and materials to plan and construct the park. Monetary donations, coordinated by the HNBA, have also been received by community and friends and relatives from near and far.
The official Ribbon Cutting and Dedication for Hunters' Memorial Park in Rice Lake took place on Monday August 7, 2006 at 1:00 pm. At that time, the park was gifted to the City of Rice Lake. Receiving the park on behalf of the city was Sue Dietz, president of the Rice Lake City Council. 

The park is on two city lots, one donated by Aspen Creek Services (a member of HNBA), and the other purchased by HNBA. All funds associated with the building and equipping of this park were raised by the HNBA.