Oskaloosa Schools is proud to announce a series of renovations designed to enhance safety, playability, and inclusivity at its sports and educational facilities.
The project includes upgraded lighting and turf at the high school baseball diamond, the addition of automated sports broadcasting technology for the baseball and softball diamonds, new lighting in the parking lots at each school, and the installation of a soccer mini-pitch on the Oskaloosa Elementary School playground.
“These enhancements will not only elevate the sports experience, but also bolster our commitment to safety and inclusivity, to engage all students to embrace the power of learning,” said Mike Fisher, Superintendent. “Completed in partnership with numerous supporters—including Musco, Iowa Sports Turf, Veenstra Construction, Overbergen Electric, Kick It Forward, and Delta Dental—these upgrades are pivotal in our mission to provide top-notch facilities for our students and the broader Oskaloosa community.”
Renovations at the high school baseball diamond include:
· An upgraded LED lighting system that provides increased light levels; minimizes glare and spill light for players, spectators, and neighbors; and reduces energy consumption by 50 percent compared to the previous system.
· More than 115,000 sq. ft. of synthetic turf, decorated with the Oskaloosa Schools logo behind home plate and custom two-toned green stripes in the outfield and infield for a stylish and community-focused game environment.
· New backstop, bullpens, and fencing.
· Automated sports broadcasting technology—installed on both the baseball and softball diamonds—offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy live games from their devices at no cost through the Indians Network.
Additionally, the district this summer installed LED lighting in the parking lots at the high school, middle school, and elementary school. This technology saves energy, provides increased light levels for heightened visibility and security, and includes color-changing pole accent lighting.
The new soccer mini-pitch, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, is open to students and community members for everything from team practices to structured programs to pick-up games. The mini-pitch features lighting, goals, benches, ADA-compliant access, and lockable storage.
