Linn-Mar begins work on replacement stadium

High school football fans in Marion can look forward to a new athletic complex at Linn-Mar next fall. And the nearly $8.5-million dollar project also solves one frequent, soggy situation.

Armstrong Field, the home of the Linn-Mar Lions, sits next to Indian Creek. The athletic field has gone underwater five times since 2002 when Indian Creek flooded. And long time members of the Linn-Mar community say flooding was a problem even before this decade.

A ceremonial turn of the shovel at a groundbreaking Monday signaled the end of that problem is in sight.

Linn-Mar is building a new stadium with seating for at least 5,000 on the "dry" side of the district's main campus. Construction is expected to wrap up late next summer--in time for a new football season.

Superintendent Katie Mulholland says the district will end up with more than a mere football field.

"The kids can come out for physical education and use it. We're getting additional parking for students so they have a place to park when they come to school. And we'll have a state of the art facility--nine lane track," she said.

When Indian Creek left its banks next to the old stadium, even a modest amount of flooding would cost $15 to $20,000 to clean up. The biggest flood in 2002 left a $100,000 repair bill.

Dave Franzman, KCRG-TV