photo by: Kim North

Photo By Kim North World War II Memorial Stadium in Yorkville is getting a facelift after a vote by the Buckeye Local Board of Education. Ron Pobolish Field is getting a new sod surface, while the home bleachers will be receiving new seating.

YORKVILLE – The Buckeye Local football program has a new head coach and when Hayden Daly leads the Panthers onto Ron Poblish Field on Friday, Aug. 28 against River, they will be playing on a new playing surface.

According to Athletic Director Jeff Patrick, the long-awaited upgrade is under way at World War II Memorial Stadium to re-purpose the field and install new seating for the home bleachers.

At a recent meeting of the Buckeye Local Board of Education, members accepted a bid of $282,090 from Hickory Valley Sod Farm, LLC, located in Lancaster, Ohio.

“We’re going to strip down the surface, re-crown it, put in new sprinkler and draining systems and then install the sod,” Buckeye Local Superintendent of Schools Coy Sudvary said. “It’s been a difficult process to find a contractor to complete the project, but we are excited to work with Hickory Valley.”

Sudvary also said the work should be completed in time for commencement ceremonies in May.

“It’s been a 2- to 3-year ordeal with the bidding,” Sudvary added. “We were pleased to have two quality bidders interested in the project. It could be a six-week project, depending upon the weather.”

Graduation is set for Thursday, May 28.