CRETE — Crete Public Schools will officially launch the next chapter in its proud tradition of student success with the groundbreaking of Project Rise: Elevating the Cardinal Experience.
School officials and coaches will host a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. near the current tennis courts. The event marks the start of construction on a new multi-sport, multi-purpose athletic facility designed to serve CPS students across football, soccer, tennis, track, and band.
"For decades, Crete students have competed with talent and pride, often without a true home of their own," said Dr. Josh McDowell, Superintendent of Crete Public Schools. "Project Rise is an opportunity to change that. It’s a chance to create a space that's always available, always ours, and always focused on student success."
The approximately $10 million project will be funded with $4-$5 million from the district’s building fund. The remainder will come from a capital campaign.
“We are excited to present Project Rise to the Crete community,” said Marilea V. Thiem, Executive Director of CPS Foundation. “There has not been a large district capital campaign for a project like this before. We believe the community will be willing to support this project because of how many students it will impact for generations to come.”
For many years, CPS has had a contract to use football, soccer and track facilities at Doane University. But as both institutions’ programs have grown, scheduling conflicts and space limitations have made it increasingly difficult for Crete students to compete, practice, and perform without disruption.
"There are times we play five games on three different fields," said Matt Martin, Crete High School Activities Director. "It affects student energy, it impacts the fan experience, and it challenges our ability to build tradition."
Project Rise will directly address these challenges. The campaign’s first phase will deliver:
New lighting
Permanent bleacher seating and press box
Scoreboards
Improved event scheduling control
Safer, better-managed athletic environments
These upgrades will allow CPS to host middle school, freshman, and JV football, along with soccer and track events, on district-controlled spaces for the first time.
"For the first time, the Crete community can help create a true home for our Cardinals," McDowell said. "A place where practice, performance, pride, and possibility meet."
The vision for Project Rise doesn’t stop with Phase I. Future phases will continue to expand and enhance the facility, creating a gathering place that serves not just athletes, but the entire Crete community.
Phase II improvements will include:
Expanded tennis courts
Coaches boxes
A fan experience pavilion featuring concession stands and a spirit store
A dedicated home locker room
Phase III will add:
A new multi-sport fieldhouse
Further track and field enhancements
Field turf installation
Paved parking facilities
Additional infrastructure improvements
"Having our own stadium creates opportunities we've never had before," Martin said. "It means more events, a stronger school community, and a greater sense of pride in being a Cardinal, from elementary students dreaming of their first game to seniors preparing for their final sendoff."