The Olpe Fitness Park Committee has successfully met its first major challenge.

The committee says it has secured $2.5 million in fundraising to complete Phase 1 construction, a significant achievement with fundraising underway now for over two years and a nearly $600,000 push since Thanksgiving. Committee member Tyler Schmidt says it’ a great holiday gift for the Olpe area.

Phase 1 revolves largely around football and track. Construction involves a new football stadium, including a field, eight-lane track, bleachers, press box and fencing; as well as the start of a fitness trail. Schmidt tells KVOE News it’s a relief to reach this milestone, but there is a lot more work ahead.

Now that the Phase 1 fundraising goal has been met, the Fitness Park Committee will work with USD 252 Southern Lyon County an architect/engineering firm and possibly a building committee to get the project ready for bid. The tentative timeline has construction possibly starting in early 2026.

While fundraising has focused on Phase 1, there have been funds generated for Phases 2 and 3 of the project. Upcoming work includes a splash pad, new basketball court, new softball field, new layout for the baseball field and new field house including a community center, community weight room and early childcare center.

Organizers are still selling tickets for the Green Machine Gala on Feb. 8 at Olpe’s Knights of Columbus Hall, and Schmidt says close to 70 percent of the tickets have already been sold. Cost per ticket is $100, with the event including a steak dinner, a live auction, a dance and a project update.

More information is available on the Olpe Fitness Park or Green Machine Gala Facebook pages.