RIPON – Stouffer Field may one day serve as the town’s centerpiece for athletics and community spirit.
That’s been the hope of Stephanie Hobbs and the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation.
Tonight, the president of the non-profit organization will provide the end-of-the-year report to Ripon Unified school board on the grassroots effort to modernize the Ripon High stadium.
She strongly believes the project will be win-win.
“A new stadium will attract more residents, business, and revenue for the community,” Hobbs said.
In the past three years, RCAF has raised $300,000 thanks to various fundraisers and the numerous donors to the cause. All told, they’ve committed about $1.2 million, with a portion of that going to the first phase of the track and field, and $30,000 going towards completing the architectural plan.
RUSD had spent $40,000, but was forced to freeze spending due to the recent budget woes.
“A soil analysis and topographical survey has been completed and much research has gone into every aspect,” Hobbs said in the report. “As soon as the architectural plans are finished we will be talking to contractors for in-kind donation consideration.”
She recently estimated the total cost of the modernization project at $2.25 million. Work would include the installation of an all-weather track, a synthetic-surface football field, and new bleachers and restrooms.
The modernization project would bring the dilapidated RHS facility to the 21st Century.
Last month, members of 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 project consisting of four softball fields and other amenities at Mistlin Sports Park.
The next RCAF fundraiser is the fourth annual Rina’s Run on May 7 consisting of 5- and 10- kilometer events and the Ripon Rotary hosting an omelet breakfast.
“We’ve grown (in participants) by 60 percent every year,” said Hobbs. “This year, we’re anticipating over 500 entries and 100 volunteers.”
More information can be obtained by calling 209-923-3894 or logging on to www.rcafsite.com.
That’s been the hope of Stephanie Hobbs and the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation.
Tonight, the president of the non-profit organization will provide the end-of-the-year report to Ripon Unified school board on the grassroots effort to modernize the Ripon High stadium.
She strongly believes the project will be win-win.
“A new stadium will attract more residents, business, and revenue for the community,” Hobbs said.
In the past three years, RCAF has raised $300,000 thanks to various fundraisers and the numerous donors to the cause. All told, they’ve committed about $1.2 million, with a portion of that going to the first phase of the track and field, and $30,000 going towards completing the architectural plan.
RUSD had spent $40,000, but was forced to freeze spending due to the recent budget woes.
“A soil analysis and topographical survey has been completed and much research has gone into every aspect,” Hobbs said in the report. “As soon as the architectural plans are finished we will be talking to contractors for in-kind donation consideration.”
She recently estimated the total cost of the modernization project at $2.25 million. Work would include the installation of an all-weather track, a synthetic-surface football field, and new bleachers and restrooms.
The modernization project would bring the dilapidated RHS facility to the 21st Century.
Last month, members of 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 project consisting of four softball fields and other amenities at Mistlin Sports Park.
The next RCAF fundraiser is the fourth annual Rina’s Run on May 7 consisting of 5- and 10- kilometer events and the Ripon Rotary hosting an omelet breakfast.
“We’ve grown (in participants) by 60 percent every year,” said Hobbs. “This year, we’re anticipating over 500 entries and 100 volunteers.”
More information can be obtained by calling 209-923-3894 or logging on to www.rcafsite.com.
