Lebanon School District holds Cedar Sports Complex dedication

Lebanon School District held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cedar Sports Complex on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 p.m.

The complex includes a combined soccer and football field/track lap, baseball field, and parking, as well as bleachers and a concession stand.

“This complex is more than just fields, lights, and stands; it is a place where young people will learn teamwork, perseverance, and pride,” superintendent Nicole Malinoski said in her welcome address. “It is a place where our community will come together to celebrate not just athletics, but the spirit of Lebanon.”

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by the Lebanon High School JROTC, accompanied by a performance of the National Anthem by high school senior Scarlett Meyer.

The original dedication ceremony for the site had been postponed, and the facility has been in use to some degree since March of this year.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured the school’s board of directors, construction partners, district leadership, campaign leadership, and city mayor Sherry Capello.

Plans for the complex date back to 2005, said Capello, after the school acquired the parcel of land at 100 Wilhelm Ave. Over the years, the district sought funding, both through grants and donations, for its lofty plans for the site.

“Fast forward 20 years, my kids have long since since graduated, and they never got the chance to use this place,” said Capello. “But on behalf of many community members that gave their time, insight, and financial support to get this project off the ground, thank you. Now we have something we can all be proud of.”

Lebanon School District director of athletics Anthony Sinico described the complex as a necessity for a growing student population, as well as a place to build community for students and families.

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“With this complex, we can now provide our student athletes with the resources they need to grow, develop, and truly excel,” said Sinico. “Baseball, track and field, soccer, field hockey, and junior high football all benefit directly from having this space to train and compete. Beyond athletics, this complex opens doors for our community.”

The Cedar Foundation raised almost $700,000 from 103 donors, LHS alumnus and Beers + Hoffman principal emeritus Bob Hoffman said, with a few LHS graduates donating six figures. Hoffman said the fundraising catchphrase was, “Our children, our community, our future.”

“With today’s dedication, these words have finally become reality,” said Hoffman, thanking multiple individuals who donated to the project.

“I speak for everyone associated with the campaign in congratulating Lebanon School District on the completion of this project. I wish young Cedars of today and those yet unborn the enjoyment of this field of dreams for decades to come.”