Stadium cost estimate reduced

Tipp Pride group has raised around 30 percent of the money needed.

The nonprofit Tipp Pride Association has raised around 30 percent of the money needed to build a new stadium, whose estimated cost has been revised from $5.6 million to $4.9 million.

The revised cost estimate was based on better project numbers available following submission of bids by four general contractors along with value engineering of project plans by an engineer and implementing cost reduction measures suggested by contractors who submitted bids.

TPA was formed in late 2016 to raise money privately for the stadium project at City Park, where the 1940s stadium now in use is located.

A project update was made before the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education at its December meeting by Scott George of the Tipp Pride Association, also known as TPA.

George said $1.56 million had been raised by mid-December or about 30 percent of the goal. That leaves around $3.3 million yet to be raised. In-kind contributions, which have not yet been publicly disclosed, will be finalized once more detailed plans are ready, George said. The in-kind contributions promised so far should reduce the amount needed by $500,000 to $1 million, he said.

TPA had vowed to break ground on project work following the end of the 2016-17 football season.

Because of the pace of fundraising, it is apparent that a phased project will be needed, George said. A detailed phase plan should be finalized in the next month, he said.

The initial phase could be the new field, possibly along with the new scoreboard. Another option could be to do all site work including excavation, underground utilities but that would require use of portable bleachers and a temporary press box set up, George said.

There is enough money now to do the new field, but more money would be needed for other possible first phases, the board was told.

George said TPA has had good response so far from businesses, the city and schools but said more response is needed from the community.

“The scope of the project will be determined by the generosity of the people of this community. The business community is doing their part, the school is doing their part, the city is doing their part. … Last but not least, the rest is on the community. The people of this community have to step forward and we all have an individual responsibility to help make this happen,” George said.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com.

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