The Hermiston School District has released images of the rough design of the Kennison Field Renovation Project, a plan that will now cost $4 million to complete.

Monday, the Hermiston School Board of education accepted the recommendation of the Kennison Field Renovation Committee to go ahead with a mid-level design proposal, rather than the bare bones approach originally considered at a cost of $3.3 million.

In both designs, the renovation projects will replace the existing track and field, and the bleachers, which have already been removed as a safety precaution. The approved plan includes a new track, a two-tone synthetic field and code-compliant permanent bleachers reaching a height of 52 feet as well as new lighting and improved parking access and walkways.

We can finally have a facility where both football and soccer fit, Interim Superintendent Wade Smith said Monday. It barely fits. We are turning the stadium parallel to Highland Avenue, back up to our property line.

The mid-level design adds upgrades to the track surface increasing UV durability and reducing maintenance costs and additional handicap access to the 2,200-seat bleacher system. A concessions facility and larger press box also will be included, as well as features to mask the back side of the bleachers for increased curb appeal.

Choosing the mid-level option also qualifies the facility for state-level Oregon Schools Activities Association competitions. The bare bones option would not meet OSAA requirements.

Smith said the district has $3.28 million of the $4 million in hand now between district funds and community donations, including a promised $250,000 total from the Hermiston Sports Boosters.

Choosing the mid-level option leaves a funding deficit of $700,000. The district has hired Jan Tesham as a grant writer for the project, and district officials and renovation committee members will begin a fundraising campaign this week.

We have already identified some folks who have verbally pledged support for this, Smith said. Weve identified well over 100 potential donors.

The districts project timeline requires funding to be in hand by Jan. 1, 2013. The entire project is slated for completion in August of next year, in time for the fall sports season.

Artist renderings of the project, timelines, fundraising information and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.hermiston.k12.or.us/krp.