Esko Announces Plans For New Sports Facilities

Click Here For The Concession Building Floor Plan

June 29

Wes Vork – NSO

The Esko school district has revealed plans for a new multi-sport complex. If approved by voters, the new complex will replace the aging 38 year old facility.

In a recent meeting, the school board passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,775,000 to provide for the repair, renovation, equipping and construction of additions and improvements to the existing Esko Public Schools Athletic Complex.

Plans for the 6.7 million dollar project include a new football/soccer field encircled by an eight lane track, including areas for long jump/triple jump, high jump, pole vault¸ discus and shot put. New 1200 seat handicap accessible bleachers would replace the aging bleachers.

A new concession building including public rest rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms, office space for coaches, and a ticket station will be centrally located at the southeast corner of the field.

Material removed from the construction of the new field will be used to upgrade the existing junior varsity baseball field, making it suitable for use as a varsity field nearer to the concession building. A new softball field will also be constructed in the same area.

Another big beneficiary of the plan will be the youth soccer program. A new youth soccer field will be built where the current football practice field is now. The current football practice field will no longer be required because artificial turf will be installed on the new field. A turf field does not break down under excessive use like a grass field, allowing it to be used for football practice, 9th grade games, and junior varsity and varsity football as well as for soccer practice and games all in the same day, if needed. The existing varsity football field will also be converted to a soccer field.

Other highlights of the plan are rebuilding and paving the parking lot with spaces for 300 cars and a new bus garage.

The plan requires voter approval, with a vote to take place on September 15, 2009. This would be on the regular primary election date. According to school officials, a person with a home valued at $150,000 can expect a $131 per year tax increase if this plan is approved by the voters.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com