Stadium renovations funded by donations

By ERIC HAMILTON

ehamilton@vindy.com

Before you go to the ballot box in November to vote on the Canfield school levy, there’s something you need to know.

In a recent Neighbors poll question asking whether residents would vote for the upcoming school levy, one of the options was “No - They spent too much on the football stadium.”

A majority of the respondents selected this option. Unfortunately, this choice should not have been available.

The update of the stadium, which included new bleachers, a new band shell and artificial turf, was part of a project called Renovate the Roost. It was spearheaded by the Nest Builders.

Philanthropist Tony Lariccia, a stockbroker with an office in Canfield, donated $100,000 and requested that the new field be named after Bob Dove, a prominent Canfield resident who had a distinguished playing and coaching career in football. The school district agreed.

The other funds used for the stadium projects came through donations — not out of the school district’s budget.

According to school superintendant Dante Zambrini, the only funds the district used for the stadium facelift were for new lights. He said that was done because of safety issues with the old wooden poles and because the new lights would be more energy efficient.

The district will ask residents to vote for a school levy in November. The fact that the district has used funds predominantly toward education and not shelled out big bucks for stadium improvements should be noted when residents go to the polls.

Renovate the Roost is a nonprofit group founded in 2006 and continues to work to raise money for renovation and construction projects to enhance the Canfield School District athletic programs.

Future projects include:

Home stands: Plans include adding side extensions to increase seating from 1,800 to 3,000 people and add a handicap- accessible ramp and concrete walkway.

Locker rooms: Plans include building a 3,240-square-foot addition onto the 700-square-foot football locker room, as well as increase the size of the wrestling team’s locker room.

Weight room: Plans are to increase the size of the weight room to accommodate every athletic team as well as for community use.

For more information on upcoming projects or to donate, contact Canfield High School at 330-533-5507.