(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board was updated Monday evening on the proposed Hiawatha Sports Complex project, planned at Noble Park.  

Troy Kolb, president of the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club Board,  said he's excited about the progress that's been made.  

Kolb said around $170,000 has been raised to date for the three-phase project.  

The 1st phase includes a 72-by-105 foot indoor practice facility.  Kolb said they have raised enough money to order the building and construction on the facility is planned for this fall.  The goal is to have the building  ready for the start of spring sports on March 1,  2023. 

Phase 2 includes a new all-turf softball field, which was initially estimated at $650,000.   Kolb said they are looking into a Community Development Block grant to assist with funding of the softball.

Phase 3 calls for renovations to Paul Rocky Field, which was initially estimated at $600,000.

In other business, Board Clerk Levi Thompson shared information regarding the cost and funding of the High School tennis program.  He said that for the past two years the program has been funded with Edith Shear funds and there is still sufficient funding to cover the current cost of the program.  

Board President Ian Schuetz asked the board about the possibility of opening up the Elementary School playground after school hours. Currently, the gate is shut and locked.  The board agreed to try opening up the playground and instructed Director of Maintenance Chris Morey to notify custodians to keep the gate unlocked so that kids have access to the playground after school hours.