South Middle School PTO Targets $100,000 for New Courts
The Parent‑Teacher Organization at South Middle School has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $100,000 to build two half‑sized basketball courts and several foursquare courts on the school’s south side, with construction slated to begin as early as July 2027.
Theresa Ostgarden, the technical education coordinator and project chairperson, says the initiative is driven by a stark lack of recreational space for students on the south side of the campus. The nearest public basketball court lies more than a mile away at Optimist Park, while Masonic Park, though closer, does not feature outdoor hoops.
Carter DeJong, a student representative on the PTO, echoed the sentiment, noting that middle schoolers currently have limited opportunities for outdoor activity during free periods, a gap the new courts are intended to fill.
Partnerships and Matching Funds
The Grand Forks Park District has pledged to match up to $25,000 in donations, reinforcing a collaborative approach that mirrors previous scoreboard projects at Grand Forks Central and Red River high schools, which collectively exceeded $560,000 in funding.
Local businesses are being invited to sponsor the project by contributing funds in exchange for logo placement on backboards and picnic tables, with five of six picnic tables already secured at a cost of $500 each.
Fundraising Events and Community Involvement
An open house scheduled for August 24 will serve as a key fundraising moment, offering ice cream to attendees with a suggested $2 donation. The event aims to generate additional cash while showcasing the planned facilities to parents, students, and community members.
Beyond the immediate $100,000 target, the PTO hopes the initiative will foster a culture of outdoor engagement for middle school students, encouraging physical activity and social interaction during recess periods that are currently underutilized.
If the funding goal is met, construction could commence in July 2027, providing a modern recreational hub for South Middle School students and the broader Grand Forks community.