Finishing kick underway to close out Phase 1 fundraising for Olpe Fitness Park

The finish line is in sight as fundraising continues for the first phase of Olpe’s ambitious Fitness Park.

Organizers Tyler Schmidt and Wade Schmidt had an update on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia this week. Tyler Schmidt says success in completing the first stage of fundraising will have benefits — and help build momentum — for the other two stages in this project.

Wade Schmidt says this is a needed community investment and it’s important for the community to invest in itself.

Currently, over $1.9 million has been banked for the initial phase, which includes a new football field and track for Olpe Athletics and a fitness trail. The Fitness Park Committee needs to have at least $2.5 million in hand or pledged by the end of the year.

Fundraising also continues for the next two stages. Phase two largely revolves around a long-sought splash pad and a multipurpose building for maintenance, storage, concessions and other needs. Phase three includes a new baseball field and expansion of the fitness trail.

To donate:

*Send funds to Olpe Community Improvement, 15 West Highway 99, Olpe KS 66865
*Venmo@Olpe-Fitness-Park
*Use the Emporia Community Foundation

You can also use a special QR code:

Olpe Fitness Park graphic.

Fitness Park Committee members are in the planning stages for the second annual Green Machine Gala, coming Feb. 8 to Olpe’s Knights of Columbus Hall. Tickets are $100 for a steak dinner, live and silent auction, prize giveaways and a park update. Roughly a third of the tickets have already been sold to the event.

For more information, call:

Jodi Brinkman, 620-366-2076
*Tyler Schmidt, 620-794-2022
*Wade Schmidt, 620-757-0541