WEST PLAINS, Mo. -- School districts all across the Ozarks have gone through several budget cuts in the weak economy, which means in some cases students go without. People in West Plains are raising money to make sure the high school stadium gets improvements.
The school booster club has a goal of raising more than half a million dollars to upgrade Zizzers stadium. The biggest purchase is synthetic turf.
District leaders say, if the field had artificial turf, more school groups could use it. It could also be used for public events, like Relay for Life.
Organizers also want to raise enough money to expand the weight room and purchase a new score board. Several area businesses are chipping in to make the project possible.
"It's going to provide us a good surface so we can accommodate more students without worrying about the wear and tear on that one acre plot of land," said Athletic Director Greg Simpkins.
Organizers hope to have the new field ready by Aug. 1.
