The Keokuk Community School District is excited to report that the renovation schedule on the updated track and turf field, which is Phase One of a two phase plan, is on schedule and anticipated to be completed the last week of August, weather permitting, according to Dr. Kathy Dinger, KCSD superintendent.
The preparation on the grounds continues and the installation of the track and turf field are set to begin the week of July 22. There have been two layers of asphalt laid for the tennis courts in preparation for spraying the surface in Chief Purple, fencing will begin to be installed around the courts soon, then the court will be sprayed and net installation will begin.
“Everyday I take a break from work to see the improvements that have been made and think I about what is coming, our community needs this,” Zach Summers, KCSD activities director, said “Excitement is building about the updates, especially with our kids, seeing the improvements happening now reminds the kids of the Fall and what is to come.”
The improvements include a new track, which will remain a six-lane track with an eight-lane 100 meter section and new track and field event stations, along with the installation of a turf field to replace the existing grass for football and soccer, specifically the field has been widened to make it a regulation soccer field size. Additionally, a drainage improvement plan has been executed.
Additional updates:
- The track and field event stations and curb are being completed.
- The Tennis Courts will be striped for tennis (white) and pickleball (contrasting color).
- Also, previously discussed in June was the need for the tennis net footings to be stable due to net tension and to accommodate tennis and pickleball.
- The placement of bleachers on the tennis courts and court spacing will remain the same.
- The service pole for electricity at the tennis courts will be removed and service will be accessed through the unit directly outside the fence (this will save a service fee).
- The water line to the stadium was enhanced in anticipation of an increase of bathrooms as part of Phase Two to provide a sufficient number for the stadium.
“I can’t wait to see if the projects we are doing will increase participation in our activities, because it has in other schools,” Summers said. “Also, I know I can’t wait to see some green out there.”
The community is also excited about the updates and there are already plans underway for a community pickleball tournament this Fall on the new courts.
Klingner has provided drawings for Phase Two of the Calvert Stadium renovations, however there will be further discussion this Fall on when Phase Two of the project will begin. The 12-month renovation plan includes updates to the stadium seating with new railings, an expanded building for a new entrance, press box and ticket booth, as well as a separate building for the concession stand. Also, the bathrooms would be renovated and expanded and the bathrooms and entrance would be ADA accessible.
The need for renovations were identified by the school community as a priority from a survey conducted in the Spring of 2023. Klingner and Associates PC and Byrne & Jones Construction are completing the project.
Phase one of the renovation plan was approved by the Keokuk School Board in September 2023. Then an Athletic Facility Public Hearing and Financing Public Hearing were held in September 2023 to approve the use of the school infrastructure sales, services and use tax revenues for the proposed athletic facility infrastructure project, that would not exceed $4,000,000 in cost. The funds are in the State Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund and distributed to the School District pursuant to Section 423F.2 of the Iowa Code. The use of SAVE Funds will not increase the District’s tax rate.
KCSD will continue to provide updates as the projects progress.
