(La Porte, IN) - The cost estimate for restoring Kiwanis Field in La Porte is $12 million.

 

The school board this week authorized Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood sign a letter of intent with Schmidt Associates to provide architectural and engineering services for the project.

 

According to school officials, the letter of intent allows Schmidt Associates to begin design work while the district determines the appropriate construction delivery method and prepares a formal professional services agreement or request for proposals, which will return to the board for review and approval at a future meeting.

 

"We have been working closely with Preserve Historic La Porte and our Kiwanis Stadium committee to develop a plan that honors the stadium's history while making the improvements necessary to preserve this important community landmark for future generations," Wood said.

 

"We are ready to start on that work, and we look forward to sharing more information with the community as the plans continue to develop," she said.

 

The La Porte High School football team plays at Kiwanis Field, which was built more than 70-years ago.

 

“They are going to continue to play football there,” said School Board President Ryan Seaburg.

 

The restoration of Kiwanis Field is part of an approved $50 million spending plan to be financed with a bond issue for building improvements across the school district.

 

A formal professional services agreement or request for proposals for construction at Kiwanis Field will come before the board for consideration at a future meeting. The district will share updated plans and timelines with the community as the project develops, officials said.  

 

The board's next regularly scheduled meeting is December 14 at 6 p.m.