GRAND CHUTE (WLUK) — The new Pop Warner Challenger League box at Plamann Park will be the only one of its kind in the state.
“We are confident that this assignment will provide opportunities for youth with disabilities and assistance that will make a positive difference in serving children and women on the network for many years to come,” said Kurt Dietzen, president of Fox Valley Pop Warner.
This follows the addition of wheelchairs and aquatic wheelchairs at Plamann Park for greater accessibility.
The project, estimated at approximately $1 million, won a $200,000 grant from the Green Bay Packers.
Mark Murphy, the Packers’ president and CEO, spoke at the inauguration ceremony to show his support.
“What’s vital for the Packers is giving back to the community, and what better way than to walk around the football fields and bring other people together,” Murphy said.
The Challenger League is an inclusive sports program that allows young people with disabilities to play soccer.
“Seeing kids involved, regardless of their ability, they’re all interested and betting on soccer,” Dietzen said.
The box assignment began in 2018, when Pop Warner presented the concept to Plamann Park.
“Last year we finished the designs, the structural plans and here we are today,” Dietzen said. “You can finally see everything that is not on paper. Everyone can see it visually: ‘yes, it will be a football field’. . “
The box will be made of grass and will allow for greater mobility with wheelchairs and walkers. Dietzen says ADA compliance comes from the domain surrounding the box.
“ADA is about the access and exit of the field, the front and exit of the field, as well as the perimeter, the walkway around the field,” he said.
The company expects the task to be completed by early September.