Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Turf Field Project

Sheldon, Iowa — Ground has officially been broken for the new Turf Project at the Orab Football Field.

Supporters of the project braved strong winds and chilly temperatures Friday morning to see shovels full of dirt turned to commence the project. The $1.4 million Turf Project is a collaboration between the Sheldon Community School District, Northwest Iowa Community College, the City of Sheldon and many commercial and private donors who banded together to make the project happen.

Sheldon Community Schools Activity Director Eric Maassen started the ceremony by thanking those who have made the project a reality.

Sheldon Mayor Greg Geels told the crowd that the groundbreaking is a symbol of the progress in the Sheldon community.

SCDC President Trevor Gottula called this a “great time to be alive in Sheldon.”

NCC President Jon Hartog spoke on behalf of NCC and thanked those who made the project possible.

Now that the groundbreaking ceremony is complete, the next phase of the project begins Monday when the NCC Heavy Equipment students come in to do the dirt work before handing the project over to the contractor. The project is slated for completion sometime late this summer.

Once completed, the facility will be home to Orab football, soccer and marching band, as well as other school activities, Sheldon Rec programs, and within a year or two, will be the home field for the upcoming NCC Thunder men’s and women’s intercollegiate soccer programs.

Below are some images from Friday’s Turf Project groundbreaking. (photos by KIWA Staff)