When Joyce Park was moved from the current Hy-Vee location to its current location, the original plan was for a soccer field to be built. That never materialized, but a group came to the city's Tumelty/Joyce Park Committee on Wednesday to discuss plans to put two fields there.
Jeff Bear, president of the Keokuk Youth Soccer Association, said he discussed a project to install two fields with then-Mayor Tom Richardson in 2019.
“And then 2020 happened,” Baer told committee members.
Mr Richardson seemed to be on board with the idea, but he said the football body then realized the committee was a starting point. Baer said the field is needed for local soccer players.
“Kids have to go to Quincy or Burlington or join a traveling soccer team,” he says.
Baer said the group has companies ready to help build fields in Keokuk.
Keokuk Public Works Director Brian Carroll asked if the soccer organization intended to lease the land from Keokaku. He said the city has a 28E agreement with the school district regarding the use of the ball fields.
Baer said he would like to see everyone working together to use the field. The organization hopes to offer something to Keokuk youth interested in the growing sport of soccer.
The stadium could host soccer tournaments and bring economic benefits to Kiokuk.
Commissioner Steve Wurster asked if there was enough parking to hold a tournament there. Baer said that's still being studied. Once the rough layout of the two fields has been created, you can see how much parking space is left.
Teresa Murray of the Keokuk Saddle Club also attended the meeting and said the Saddle Club intends not to hold the event at the same time as the soccer tournament to alleviate parking issues.
Kurt Dial, also with the Keokuk Youth Soccer Association, said the field will give Keokuk youth the opportunity to play year-round. He said soccer players need to be able to work on and improve their skills outside of the soccer season. He said the organization has been able to use the practice fields at Kyokuk High School, but they are not in the best conditions and would like to be able to practice at these fields as well.
As a coach himself, Wurster said he's all for the idea.
The committee approved pursuing this idea. In addition to raising funds to build the field, there will be a number of other things to do, such as whether and how much lease fees will be required.
