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Warren Township wins $250,000 NFL Foundation grant to build synthetic turf at ESSA youth complex
Summary
MSD Warren Township was selected for a $250,000 NFL Foundation grassroots grant — part of a national initiative with the Indianapolis Colts and LISC — to build a 90,000 sq ft synthetic turf field and site improvements at the Warren Youth Sports Complex (ESSA). The district said the project will include a storm-water system, seating and accessible parking and expects the field to be a hub for youth leagues.
MSD Warren Township announced that it has been selected as one of 16 school districts nationwide to receive a $250,000 NFL Foundation grassroots program grant to install a new artificial turf field at the Warren youth sports complex known locally as ESSA. Dr. Hansen told the board the award, presented on behalf of the Indianapolis Colts, the NFL Foundation and the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), will fund a portion of a larger site upgrade that district staff described as a transformational investment for far-east-side youth sports.
The superintendent said the project includes a 90,000-square-foot synthetic playing surface, advanced storm-water systems, new goal posts and scoreboard, bleacher seating for up to 450 fans, a 150-space parking lot, perimeter fencing and pedestrian plaza connections. "We have been selected to receive a 250,000 field surface grant to install a state-of-the-art artificial turf field at the Warren youth sports complex," Dr. Hansen said during the meeting.
District and Colts representatives emphasized that the grant is part of a broader national NFL Foundation initiative that helps local youth programs upgrade fields. A Colts representative who spoke at the meeting said the foundation has invested tens of millions nationwide and highlighted the partnership's focus on safety and accessibility. The district noted the project will support Warren Township Youth League football and soccer and enable return of youth soccer and expansion into lacrosse and flag-football programs.
Superintendent remarks framed the field as more than athletics: officials described it as a community hub intended to increase safe recreation opportunities and reduce barriers to participation for underserved families. The district said the site work will address local drainage problems at the Prospect and German Church corner that have historically held water.
No final construction timeline or all-source budget was approved at the meeting; district staff said partners and vendors have been identified and more detailed bids and scheduling will be presented at upcoming meetings as part of the larger bond- and facilities-plan process. Community fundraising remains part of the local plan: the choir and youth league representatives encouraged community support and the district said it would supplement grant funds with district and partner resources.
