Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Upon the conclusion of the high school Track and Field season toward the end of the month, work will begin on the renovation of Jay Stadium.
According to MAPS maintenance director Dale Bergman, the district currently stands approximately $200,000 short of it’s funding goal for the much needed stadium face-lift. However with the kickoff of a community fund raising effort this past week, Bergman and district staff are hoping to reach that goal in time for final decisions to be made on the project next month.
“With the generous assistance of several large donors, we already have raised around $2.3 million, which covers many of the larger amenities and structural costs,” Bergman explains.
“Whatever we can raise from community support will go toward costs for building visitor bleachers as well as a maintenance fund. Obviously having a nice new stadium like this, we want to take care of it as best we can and there are costs associated with that.”
“We are really hoping we can build the visitor bleachers, as that of course means more people can come in to attend events and in turn give their patronage to our local restaurants, merchants and hotels.”
As part of the fund raising effort, Bergman’s office mailed out flyers this week to area businesses and gas stations, as well as school and sports related organizations such as the Silver M club and booster clubs. The maintenance office has also distributed paper footballs around the community, which are available for purchase along with an area for donors to write their names if they so choose.
“Cash donations are great, but we are also accepting ‘in kind’ donations if area contractors or services would like to donate their skills and expertise,” Bergman adds.
“We have already touched base with high school agriculture classes and it looks like we will be getting those students’ help with some of the landscaping which will need to be done. We plan to explore other similar options as we get further into this. Any little bit we can get helps, we certainly won’t turn anyone away!”
If the funding goal is not met, the district will be forced to trim some items from the project list including the bleachers and possibly other amenities.
Once construction begins, a busy summer lies ahead as contractor Point of Beginning out of Stevens Point and partner Neenah-based Miron Construction, have guaranteed a completion date in time for kickoff of the 2016 high school football season in August.
Those interested in more information, or donating to the Jay Stadum project can mail or drop donations at the MAPS Central office 1111 N. Sales Street or contact Jay Wicke at (715) 218-0855.