Local landmarks have an important meaning for those in the community. They serve as a special place for gathering and honoring local history. This is the exact reason why AppsCo launched Operation S.O.S (Save Our Stadium). AppsCo students wanted to start a campaign that would prevent the demolition of the stadium altogether. Plans to tear down the stadium and develop a Walmart Supercenter spurred the students into action. Let’s take a closer look at what they did!
AppsCo students recognized what replacing the stadium with a shopping center really meant. It would have a negative impact on nearby residents via increased traffic and rising costs. This demolition would also erase a place where a lot of history and memories have been made. The students put together a plan that would save the stadium and generate revenue for its renovation. To get the ball rolling, the students have proposed replacing the current wooden football sign with an L.E.D. digital sign that will feature advertisements for local businesses. AppsCo students will then work to sell the advertising spots and reinvest the earned revenue back into improvements and revenue-generating opportunities for the stadium.
After creating their proposal, the AppsCo students had to present their Save Our Stadium proposal to the Peoria City Council, neighborhood residents, and Peoria Public Schools administrators. The plan outlined some new changes to the stadium area including:
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- Moving the baseball and softball fields further north on the property.
- Using the land along War Memorial Drive for soccer and lacrosse fields.
- Creating cricket courts.
- Adding concessions and restrooms near the baseball fields.
- Constructing a fitness trail and multi-use domed building (for potential use by a negotiated tenant).
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AppsCo hopes that the renovation will help to transform the stadium and surrounding property into a community-centered facility. You can learn more about the proposal here.
About AppsCo
Founded by serial entrepreneur Alexis Khazzam, AppsCo is a not-for-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that provides an integrated business learning curriculum for public school students. With close ties to the Peoria Public Schools, the organization strives to provide a safe environment that both challenges minds and fosters mentorship via local business leaders. Students receive real-life and business experience through internships with local businesses.
By working in tandem with local businesses and students, AppsCo invests in the future health of the Peoria community. Through fostering student relationships with local leaders, the not-for-profit boosts confidence, and the hope of opportunity. Their goal is to keep students in the program local to both help themselves, and the community thrive in the future.
