Wakefield Community Schools held a community meeting at the Wakefield Civic Center on Wednesday, July 28.
A large crowd was on hand for community involvement with the upcoming construction of the Wakefield Athletic Complex which will include a new football field, a stadium and concession stand, restroom, team rooms and track by the school building, moving activities in the fall from Gaves Park to the school.
"We have a good plan in place to build this stadium and field," said superintendent, Matt Farup. "The basics are covered and it's up to the community what the final product will look like."
The basics are far better than surrounding complexes, so the bang for the buck is certainly worth the time and money, according to Farup.
"It is not the best time to build but we have had the bids out and they will be honored," Farup said. "We are moving forward."
The plans for the project include a new 80-yard football field, a stadium, the existing track, concession stands, restrooms, some parking and all of the amenities that accompany a Friday Night football or a track meet.
Wakefield Track coach, Mike Hassler said it would be great to eventually host an invitational track meet, but said a district or even conference will not be considered.
"If you want to host districts or conference, you need to have a pole vault venue," Hassler said. "That is not in the plan."
Farup explained some of the reasons.
"Pole vault is inherently a bit dangerous," Farup said. "But just the mats are over $50,000 - then you have to build a pit for a place for the mats and we have other things we need to get done."
Farup went on to explain during the meeting, a lot of thought has been put in the design - economically and physically.
"We want to make this something everyone in Wakefield can be proud of and support," Farup said at the meeting.
Farup went on to explain the planning with "lines of sight", distance to restrooms, distance to concession stands and he described the physical make-up of the stadium building itself.
The stadium will include public restrooms, team rooms, an official's room, and the afore-mentioned concession stand.
Also included will be a press box which will have room for two coaching staffs, an announcer, time-keeper and at least a radio station or two - possibly TV.
Also, during the meeting, Farup indicated a lot of the landscaping for the surrounding area is not included.
Many of the amenities around the complex will need some enhancements.
"It really depends what everyone wants." he said "We're going to have a beautiful field, but the extras will be donations from here on out."
There will be some problems down the road, but Farup expects them and knows them.
"This project is huge for here," he said. "We need to just keep moving forward with moving forward - definitely a worthwhile endeavor."
According to Farup. he plans on starting the 2022 football season at the new complex.