A major fundraising project will be launched to improve the athletic stadiums at four Springfield (MO) high schools. The Springfield school board approved a fundraising agreement with Athletic Surfaces Plus. The Memphis-based consulting company will try to raise $4 million — through donations and advertising — to add artificial turf and upgrade tracks at Glendale, Hillcrest and Kickapoo plus replace the aging turf at Parkview.
Chief Financial Officer Steve Chodes said the campaign must reach a minimum goal of $2.5 million before any work will begin. If that goal is hit, the company will be paid 5 percent of the amount raised.
But board member Gerry Lee said when the district installed turf at Parkview’s JFK Stadium a decade ago, it assumed the responsibility to maintain it. “There’s an obligation on our part to replace Kennedy,” he said.
A companion agreement approved Tuesday also taps the company to oversee the installation of turf and track replacements. But, the district would still use the competitive bidding process for the work itself.
A feasibility study identifying needs and potential funding options was presented to the board about a year ago.
“The concept of private donations for things we probably don’t have the resources for is a great one,” said board president Tom Prater. “If we can make our district look good and function better with private money, think of where that can take us.”