The district authorities plan to use the funds to install a new turf in the stadium. An estimated $5 million bond may be issued for the installation of the turf and also for other renovations.
As per the economic stimulus package, the district may not have to pay back 100% on the interest of the bond; instead, an estimated 55% to 60% of the interest will have to be paid.
The stadium will be renovated to create a new football stadium and soccer field area for the Joliet Central High School’s two sports teams at both campuses. The renovation of the local stadium emerges to be a cheaper alternative to building a new facility.
The refurbishment plans include the installation of artificial turf, larger locker rooms, and expansion of the field to make room for football and soccer. Costs pertaining to the expansion project would be paid by the school district. The turf needs to be installed as late as November 2009, to be ready for the Steelmen football match at Silver Cross Field for the 2010 season.
Three feasible designs were presented for a reconfigured Silver Cross Field in a recent workshop meeting of the council. Design options include the alteration of the field to eliminate all clay and utilize a portable pitcher’s mound that would be wheeled off when baseball wasn’t being played.
The budget for the stadium is expected to be approved by the board through inter-governmental agreement with the city, to use Silver Cross stadium for its athletic programs, including football, baseball and soccer.
The budget has been maintained for the stadium by putting off huge building and maintenance projects like replacing roofs and negotiating concessions with three unions. The district authorities are also pursuing other options, such as building stadiums on sites either west or east of Joliet Central High School.
