A committee of enthusiastic and community minded individuals has been formed to help support the many needs of the Bowl. The Bowl has served the school district and the community for 60 years and will for many years to come. With the crisis in education funding, stand-alone sports facilities are not a priority over students and schools. With only the basic maintenance afforded, the committee hopes to help the district fund projects both large and small to maintain the integrity of the Bowl. The committee will hold fundraisers and is accepting tax deductible donations made payable to the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation to help offset the costs of the numerous projects on the list. Businesses and organizations are also supporting the efforts of the committee by donating their services. The committee will be selling painted wooden plaques of the inside of the Bowl.
Projects accomplished through a cooperative effort between School District #117 and the Committee so far include the renovation of the trophy cases in the lobby thanks to Dale and Rich Shafer and the Lions Club and updated by the committee, Landscaping provided by Turner’s, Indoor painting and repairs throughout, updated plumbing and electrical, and 4 new water fountains.
Continued projects: JHS Varsity Team pictures dating back to 1950 and updating individual pictures throughout the Bowl, refinishing bleachers and upgrades to windows and the HVAC system
The committee also continues to work towards the efforts started through the Bobby Hoffman Memorials for a new floor. The existing floor is almost 40 years old. It has been refinished about five years ago because of peeling, but continues to have “dead” spots. The floor was designed to be replaced every 30-35 years. Along with a floor, bleachers and numerous other costly projects are needed to preserve the Bowl for future generations.
The Preservation of the Bowl committee’s mission is to preserve the integrity and pride the Bowl has provided for not only past, current and future Crimsons but also the community.
Committee members include: David Hays (Chairperson), Candie Hays, Peter Peak, J.R. and Jennifer Dugan, Kristan Becker Hoffman, Jason Garrett, Amy Albers. Mr. Dick Anthony has provided valuable services also.