LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — An anonymous donor has given a northwestern Iowa school district $2 million to renovate a high school sports complex.
The Le Mars Community School Foundation will use the money to replace the existing grass on the football field with turf, install a new track and replace the bleachers and locker rooms, the Sioux City Journal reported . The money will also upgrade the press box, lighting, visitor’s bleachers and fencing.
Superintendent Steve Webner said the donor wants the district to build the community a “showcase stadium.”
“This is truly a gift that shows the donor’s support for (the) stadium renovation project, our school district, and the entire community of Le Mars,” Webner said.
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The current facility was built in 1959. The project is estimated to cost almost $5 million, and the school board will vote on the project’s architectural plans once they’re finalized, Webner said.
He noted that as many as five games a week are played on the field during football season, which leaves the field in rough condition.
“Artificial turf will serve our students well by providing a sound playing field that is used a great deal,” he said. “The main bleachers used to house a locker room underneath, but is decayed far beyond usefulness. The track was asphalted in 1987 and has been resurfaced periodically; however, it is to the point that it will soon need a new base and surface.”
The district hopes to continue fundraising and begin work in May 2018. Construction may affect the 2018-2019 football season. The district will work with other school districts to find alternative locations for sports events, Webner said.
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Information from: Sioux City Journal, http://www.siouxcityjournal.com