The Columbus School Board recently approved an eight-year financial plan for upgrades to their outdoor recreation area. 

Columbus Activities Director, Jake McCullough, who presented the plan to the board, spoke with KCII about the areas in need of the upgrades. “What we’re looking to do is upgrade our track facility so we’d be able to host district track meets: a larger high jump area, new long jump areas. It would add a turf field for football and soccer.” The plan also includes a new video scoreboard for the facility. 

The financial plan lays out $50,000 annually from the district’s Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). With estimates for the project at more than $1.5 million, the district plans to seek out grants and other donations from area businesses. McCullough, who went through a similar process for track resurfacing years ago, explained that the approval of the plan shows commitment from the district when seeking these additional funds. “[I’ve been] talking with some businesses about donations and applying for grants, and having grants tell me that ‘you guys have to have so much money up front before we would even accept your application,’” he said. 

Plans for upgrades of the track and field are still tentative, however the scoreboard will be installed this summer.