Poplar Sports Complex Making Steps Forward

The goal of building a sports complex at Poplar High School is becoming closer to a reality after school officials have seen completion of the design phase.

Poplar Superintendent of Schools Keith Erickson said that part of the process took about six months. “Our designer was really good,” Erickson stressed.

He explained that the potential track and football complex will be located a little south of the current football field.

The top goal is having a quality all-weather track to hosts meets. Other goals include new grandstands, a new football field (probably grass), restrooms and improved parking. The next step is figuring out the finances for the project.

Erickson said estimates range greatly based on how much of the project is actually done. The range is from $5-6 million to $12-$15 million.

Erickson said the school district has reserved funds to use for initial payments. The probable path for total funding will include a loan from a financial institution.

“It’s promising,” Erickson said of having the sports complex. “It’s been a season of meetings to get to this point.”

The hope is to start construction on the track during the summer of 2027.

Erickson is excited that the school’s gym floor will be redone this summer.

“That will spruce things up,” he said.

Erickson has recently signed a new three-year contract to serve as the school’s superintendent.

“I’m very fortunate to be where I’m at,” Erickson said. “I have a good admin staff and directors.”