RIPON – Stephanie Hobbs was excited about the latest development at revitalizing Ripon High’s Stouffer Field.
As president of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation, she announced at Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting that the grass root efforts started about three years ago is finally paying off.
“We just received $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor,” Hobbs said.
She added, “We’re now hoping to break ground this summer.”
Hobbs noted that ground-breaking is close to being part of phase one of RCAF’s master plan. The completed project calls for an all-weather track and a synthetic-surface football field.
“We’re not quite there, yet,” she said.
Stouffer Field, instead, will be re-sodded with a natural yet more resilient turf while the track – still dirt but with the regulation-length eight lanes – will have shafts or piping installed for better drainage.
“My goal is to raise an additional $250,000 for the all-weather track surface,” said Hobbs, who is looking forward to finally seeing the downtrodden bleachers replaced at Stouffer Field.
RCAF has long viewed the stadium as the town’s centerpiece for athletics and community spirit.
At last report, RCAF raised $300,000 thanks to various fundraisers and the numerous donors to the cause, and had about $1.2 million in commitments to the project.
Last December, RCAF hoped that the City of Ripon’s Redevelopment Agency would earmark funds to go towards renovating Stouffer Field. Instead, the City opted for the revenue-project consisting of four softball fields and other amenities at Mistlin Sports Park.
RCAF, meanwhile, will continue its fundraising efforts. Included is Rina’s Run planned for May 7, consisting of 5- and 10- kilometer events.
More information can be obtained by calling 209-923-3894 or logging on to www.rcafsite.com.
As president of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation, she announced at Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting that the grass root efforts started about three years ago is finally paying off.
“We just received $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor,” Hobbs said.
She added, “We’re now hoping to break ground this summer.”
Hobbs noted that ground-breaking is close to being part of phase one of RCAF’s master plan. The completed project calls for an all-weather track and a synthetic-surface football field.
“We’re not quite there, yet,” she said.
Stouffer Field, instead, will be re-sodded with a natural yet more resilient turf while the track – still dirt but with the regulation-length eight lanes – will have shafts or piping installed for better drainage.
“My goal is to raise an additional $250,000 for the all-weather track surface,” said Hobbs, who is looking forward to finally seeing the downtrodden bleachers replaced at Stouffer Field.
RCAF has long viewed the stadium as the town’s centerpiece for athletics and community spirit.
At last report, RCAF raised $300,000 thanks to various fundraisers and the numerous donors to the cause, and had about $1.2 million in commitments to the project.
Last December, RCAF hoped that the City of Ripon’s Redevelopment Agency would earmark funds to go towards renovating Stouffer Field. Instead, the City opted for the revenue-project consisting of four softball fields and other amenities at Mistlin Sports Park.
RCAF, meanwhile, will continue its fundraising efforts. Included is Rina’s Run planned for May 7, consisting of 5- and 10- kilometer events.
More information can be obtained by calling 209-923-3894 or logging on to www.rcafsite.com.
