Olpe’s fitness park project has approval for over $100,000 in tax credits.
The project, organized by Olpe Community Improvement, was granted $115,400 in tax credits from the Kansas Department of Commerce. Project spokesman Tyler Schmidt tells KVOE News donors to the Community Health and Wellness Campaign have a chance to offset or defer 70 percent of their related tax obligations as part of the credits. Using $1,000 as an example, Schmidt says $700 would either be used as a full credit or a partial credit for the donor, depending on that person’s tax liability.
The total value to the fitness park is actually more than $165,000. The window to take advantage of these tax credits began July 1 and continues through 2024.
The funds generated through this tax credit move the overall project closer to construction — specifically for Phase 1 of the project: a new football stadium, including field, eight-lane track, bleachers, press box and fencing; as well as the start of a fitness trail.
To start construction, Phase 1 also needs an estimated $2 million in donations, and Schmidt says nearly $1 million has been generated.
Schmidt says the recent decision by USD 252 Southern Lyon County to donate $600,000 over three years, only to rescind that donation, is a formality and he’s confident the donation will move forward. Board members voted late last month to halt the funding because the money can’t be allocated to a private group like Olpe Community Improvement.
Other aspects of the project have included a splash pad, which was already the focus of separate fundraising efforts before the larger project was announced, as well as a new basketball court, new softball field, new layout for the baseball field and a field house including a community center, community weight room and early childcare center.
For information, call Schmidt at 620-794-2022 or email olpefitnesspark@gmail.com.
