Iola football and track and field fans will have more comfortable seating coming soon.
Local school district USD 257 took advantage of the opportunity to acquire recently discarded bleachers from the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., which is in the process of replacing its metal bleachers.
According to Iolan Donna Houser, who has been instrumental in raising money to restore and improve the stadium, the bleachers cost $20,0000. The price tag includes bleachers with seatbacks to fill the section between the east and west entrances of the stadium.
District administrators faced a time crunch in making the decision. Because these second-hand bleachers are in high demand, administrators needed to make a commitment by the end of the week.
(See related school board story on Page 1.)
New bleachers of the same quality can cost $90,0000, Houser said.
This project is separate from the replacement of the deteriorated wood planks in the stands on ball diamond number three in Riverside Park.
Houser is seeking contributions to help the district pay for the bleachers.
For the past several years Houser has worked to raise funds to restore the stadium and has several other remodeling irons in the fire, she said.
For more information, contact Donna Houser at lauradarla@cox.net. Checks can be made out to USD 257.
