Phase II of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation’s stadium revitalization efforts recently took a positive step forward.
RCAF president Stephanie Hobbs announced at the Aug. 14 school board meeting that plans of installing new home bleachers finally received approval from the Division of State Architects in Sacramento.
Her unexpected surprise the new press box to the bleacher plans at Stouffer Field.
“The (press box) was not on our radar,” she said.
The bleachers were also redesigned from the original plan that’s 100 percent funded by RUSD, Hobbs noted.
The new press box promises to have fewer obstructions while viewing the playing field, she added.
Work is expected to take place after the football season. At this time of year, Stouffer Field is home to the RHS Indians sports and the Ripon Chiefs youth football programs.
RCAF can now set its focus on plans for building new restrooms at the front gate of the stadium.
Hobbs said that this part of the Phase II project would consist of restrooms on both sides of the ticket booth building.
For the past 10 years, RCAF has managed to spearhead many of the upgrades to the football field and track.
The aging facility – Stouffer Field has been around for over 70 years, according to RCAF – received a makeover thanks to the help of generous donors.
Phase I included the demolition, surveying, and upgrading the infrastructure. The result of that was an eight-lane, all-weather track and regulation-sized football / soccer field.
RCAF continues to accept donations.
Or more information, log on to www.rcafsite.com.