Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Representatives of the Community Foundation of Warren County present a check for $100,000 toward the $1 million target of the Warren Sports Boosters for renovations of War Memorial Field. Pictured, from left, are: Community Foundation Board Chairman John Hanna, Board Member Tim Huber, and Executive Director John Lasher, and Sports Boosters Board Member Rick Nowacki, Board Member Andy Hanks, and Board President Michael Boyd.

The Warren Sports Boosters have taken a major step in the effort to rejuvenate War Memorial Field, thanks to the Community Foundation of Warren County.

The Community Foundation on Monday presented a check for $100,000 to the boosters War Memorial Field capital campaign. The boosters are hoping to raise $1 million.

“Memorial Field as it is known locally, is a gem in Warren,” Community Foundation Executive Director John Lasher said. “The renovation of the entire complex will insure that teams and fans will be able to enjoy events there for years to come.”

“We are extremely appreciative of the Community Foundation’s support in kicking off the campaign,” Boosters President Michael Boyd said.

The facility supports football, soccer, track and field, marching band, the Warren County YMCA, and others.

The boosters lease the property from Warren County School District. Tax dollars do not fund the facility.

The track surface is original to the 1999 stadium. The turf on the field was last replaced in 2008. Both surfaces are well past their life expectancies.

Those two items are the big tickets, but there are other renovation needs around the facility, from goal posts to showers, the sound system and the drainage system.

“Very few small towns have a facility such as this one,” Boyd said. “We are reaching out to local supporters, those who have helped us in the past, asking for continued support. We have also set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page where community supporters can make donations to the project.”

The GoFundMe is located at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/warrensportsboostersinccapitalcampaign

Information about the Community Foundation may be found at www.cfowc.org.