CARES Funds Soccer Field Developments, Digital Books Program, Girls Lacrosse and More

The push is on to develop the Industrial Drive soccer fields.

Last week, the Saline Area Schools Board of Education approved the expenditure of $44,700 which will be helped to install a well, provide irrigation and electricity at the new fields on Industrial Drive.

The project was one of CARES fund projects approved by the board at the April 10 meeting.

The Saline Area Soccer Association had requested $50,500 for the project, expected to cost $68,464.

The first step, according to Community Education Director Brian Puffer, the development is contingent upon the property having a viable well. The Saline Area Soccer Association is committed to spending $18,000 up front to locate and drill a well.

Superintendent Scot Graden noted that development of the fields has become more important with the senior housing development planned for the soccer fields at Maple Road and Woodland Drive.

The school district is also considering further developments to the soccer fields at Industrial Drive and Campus Parkway. The fields are across the street from the athletic campus.

“With the potential to upgrade the soccer fields, maybe we should have some sort of painted crosswalk there,” said board member Chuck Lesch.

Graden said he’s had talks with facilities manager Doug Bacon about the area. He said the area needs lighting.

The board also approved several other projects recommended by the CARES Advisory Council.

CARES will fund the “eBooks for Everyone! Enrichment for All” program with $33,674. The money, requested by Director of Instructional Technology Heather Kellstrom, will be used to make books “come alive” digitally for students in the district. It is expected to serve 5,300 students.

The board approved $6,000 to held develop girls’ middle school lacrosse and $3,700 for girls’ high school lacrosse.

The Fifth Corner Teen Center will receive $5,000 to expand its media center. Saline Parks and Recreation will receive $3,610 for adaptive cardiovascular equipment.

The CARES Advisory Council decided not to recommend Evangelical Homes $25,000 request for a Therapy Pool.

In May 2009, voters passed the CARES Recreation Millage for 0.5 mills for 10 years. The millage provides annual funding the senior center, the Saline Area Schools pool, Saline Area Schools theater management, and Saline Community Education recreation and enrichment programs.

CARES also created a discretionary fund which may be allocated annually through a grant process to meet additional recreation needs.

The program is overseen by the CARES Advisory Council, which makes project recommendations to the school board.

CARES money cannot be used for K-12 education.

CARES stands for Cultural Arts, Recreation, Enrichment and Seniors.