Project leaders say the goal is to have the installation finished in about two or three weeks despite earlier weather disruptions. The work includes clearing the old grass, leveling the surface, building a new gravel base, and installing turf with padding over multiple rock layers and a cement-stabilized sub-base.
Drainage is also a key part of the rebuild, with crews redoing the drainage system under the field to help water flow out through the northwest corner. Once the upgrades are complete, the field will serve as the home venue for Iola High School’s Mustangs, Iola Middle School’s Mustangs, and Iola youth football programs, and it will also host Allen Community College men’s and women’s soccer games.
Don Emerson of Double E Construction said it’s meaningful to do the work locally, citing years of personal family ties to the field. Project management from DCS Service also emphasized coordination and communication with the installation crew to keep the project on schedule.