KNOXVILLE, Iowa — The Knoxville Alumni Association now owns Ken Locke Stadium after the Knoxville Community School Board approved selling the abandoned stadium to them.

Now, the association is focusing on how to improve the 85-year-old stadium to make it a community space.

“It’s a part of our history. Memories of football games here, but also just a sense of community. This is where I hung out with my friends. This is where we won several games. This is where we just got together on a Friday night. I can still hear the announcer’s voice in my, in my head,” said Kevin Stittsworth, a member of the Knoxville Alumni Association “And so to me, you know, I was taking it to the next level and turning it into a community space that we can allow other generations, future generations, to just enjoy and make their own memories.”

The Alumni Association plans to add pickleball courts, a new track and field, new bathrooms and concessions, and more.

“We want our young kids, our young football players and soccer kids don’t have a home and so we want to be able to provide them with at home to start building that passion for this place like we have,” said Pennye Sommar, a member of the Knoxville Alumni Association, “We want to have ice skating here in the winter. Pickleball courts, a community room on the North End. We like places for class reunions, and so we hope that will provide a space for them. Um, new restrooms, concession stand. You know, all the fun things that go along with having activities here.”

The Alumni Association is still in the planning and fundraising phase for renovating the Ken Locke Stadium. They hope to raise $7.5 million for the project.

To learn more about the Knoxville Alumni Association’s plans for Ken Locke Stadium or to donate to the project, visit the association’s Facebook page.