‘More than a field’: Recreational project underway at Raymond Central

RAYMOND CENTRAL, Neb. (KLKN) – A first-of-its-kind project is beginning in Raymond Central.

A massive project that will change the landscape of athletics is officially underway. It’s called More Than a Field.

It’s an initiative launched by the RC Community Foundation aimed at improving the quality of life for students and families.

“The whole goal is to add community access to facilities we currently don’t have enough of,” said Activities Director Tony Kobza. “We wanted to provide a home field that they can have right here on campus and have a little bit of pride in.”

There will be four phases to this project. Phase I and Phase II will add two new turf baseball fields for ages 14 and up.

That will include fencing, parking, lighting, two new scoreboards and much more.

Phase III will include adding a secondary entrance to the area, along with additional parking.

Finally, Phase IV will include a new turf football field, a full track-and-field facility, a kids’ playground, and a community recreational building.

Kobza says that without the community’s support, none of this would be possible.

“We have incredibly talented people.”

The project was estimated to cost between $5 and $7 million, according to Kobza.

But through community partnerships, it will cost only $1.25 million.

“We’re saving about $5 million over the course of this by so much of the work being done by community members who are willing to step up and do their part,” said Kobza.

The end goal is to establish a place for growth and create an environment that cultivates community, sportsmanship, leadership and health and wellness.

The school says they expect this project to be complete before the end of the year.