The Osceola Mini-Pitch project is moving from fundraising to construction, thanks to a final push of community support and a $35,000 grant approved this week by the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC).
The CCDC Board approved the grant Wednesday to support the Kick It Forward team as it completes fundraising efforts for the new mini-pitch facility planned for Osceola. As of the board meeting, the Kick It Forward team had raised more than $180,000 toward the project through contributions from local businesses, organizations, families and individuals.
Osceola’s 120’ x 60’ Mini Pitch will be located South of the soccer complex, next to the Aquatic Center.
The mini-pitch will provide a dedicated, accessible space for soccer, youth athletics, recreation and community activities. Located just north of the Fern Underwood Family Aquatic Center, the facility will be the first of its kind in Clarke County and will add another recreational asset to Osceola’s growing network of parks, trails and athletic facilities.
The project is the result of a collaborative effort involving Kick It Forward, the City of Osceola, Osceola Parks and Recreation, Osceola Chamber Main Street, Musco Lighting and community donors. Kick It Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to soccer through mini-pitch facilities, has led the fundraising effort for the Osceola project.
“The community has really rallied behind this project,” said Andrew Clark, Clarke County Development Corporation Executive Director. “The amount of support they’ve generated demonstrates that there is a real demand for this kind of facility. CCDC is proud to be one of many partners helping turn that community vision into something people will be able to use for years to come.”
The CCDC grant is intended to help the Kick It Forward team close out the remaining fundraising and move the project into its construction and development phase.
The Osceola Mini-Pitch was originally proposed by Kick It Forward representatives Jorge Avalos and Jose Escareno, with the project receiving support from the City of Osceola and community partners like Community 1st Credit Union who donated $50,000 and will be recognized center-pitch for their commitment. The planned facility will provide a compact, high-quality playing space that can accommodate youth soccer, recreational play, clinics, community activities and other events.
The project also represents a broader investment in Osceola’s recreational infrastructure and quality of life. By providing a safe, accessible place for physical activity and community interaction, the Mini-Pitch will complement existing recreational facilities while creating new opportunities for residents of all ages.
With fundraising efforts nearing completion, the Kick It Forward team can now focus on final project preparations and construction of the facility.
The Osceola Mini-Pitch will join a growing network of similar facilities developed by Kick It Forward across the country, bringing a unique recreational opportunity to Osceola and Clarke County. Programming and activities at the Osceola Mini-Pitch will be administered through the Osceola Parks and Recreation Department.
If you have additional questions or need more information on mini-pitch activities and future programming, please contact Osceola Parks and Recreation Department at Osceola City Hall 115 N Fillmore St, Osceola, IA 50213, phone: (641) 342-2377 or go to www.OsceolaIA.net.
