Olpe’s Fitness Park project is getting a notable financial boost.
The Bayer Fund is donating $5,000 as fundraising continues for a major, multifaceted project. The fund helps to develop programs and “make strategic investments” in non-profits hoping to make a positive difference in several areas like education, patient support serivces and food insecurity.
Current plans are for the park to include a splash pad, walking path around Olpe Jones Park, fitness stations along the path and recent additions like a new basketball court and fencing around the softball field. Olpe is also looking to turn the football practice field into the main stadium with an eight-lane track and other track and field amenities. The plan also involves a field house with a community center and community weight room, early childcare center and a reversed layout for the baseball field.
The estimated cost for the project is $8.5 million with much of the project set to be privately funded. At the same time, Olpe is also pursuing interlocal agreements with local agencies including USD 252 and the Lions Club.
Residents wanting to help fund the project can donate to the Olpe Fitness Park Project through the Emporia Community Foundation.
