HOPE‑PAGE 85 seeks community donations for batting cage; Page gym proposed as site

HOPE‑PAGE 85 is seeking community donations to fund a new batting cage, and the Maple River CO‑OP discussed locating the structure inside the Page school gym to avoid shared practice space in Hope. The proposal, recorded in joint meeting minutes on June 3, 2026, includes a target to have the cage installed before December and sparked conversation about transportation and scheduling overlaps between the two districts.

The minutes state the proposed location would “eliminate shared practice space in Hope” and that additional details—such as exact siting, equipment needs and potential hitting nets—will be decided in follow‑up talks with athletic directors and coaches. The document records concern about coordinating practice times and student transportation if the cage is placed in Page.

Administrators also noted that, if the Page batting cage moves forward, the CO‑OP may need a formal amendment to its cooperative agreement to clarify practice locations and responsibilities. The minutes record that administration will pursue an amendment to the CO‑OP agreement for practice location contingent on the batting cage project.

No dollar figure for construction or a firm donor list is recorded in the minutes. The document records only that HOPE‑PAGE 85 is “looking for community help through donations” and sets an installation timeframe (before December). Minutes do not record a formal vote or a commitment of district funds for construction.

Next procedural steps recorded in the minutes: athletic directors will follow up with coaches on hitting‑net needs and logistics, and the CO‑OP will consider an amendment to the cooperative agreement if the Page installation proceeds. The CO‑OP’s next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3 at 8:00 AM in Hope.