Osage County Herald-Chronicle

Members of Overbrook PRIDE met with Frito-Lay representatives Monday to officially accept a $20,000 donation for the city’s new soccer field. From left—PRIDE chairman Jon Brady, Kristie Pryor, Frito-Lay supply chain manager, Scott Denny, Frito-Lay manufacturing manager, and PRIDE members Larry Woodson and Pat Martin, PRIDE president Amanda Cook, and PRIDE treasurer Nancy Durbin.

Vickie Peek
Reporter

OVERBROOK—By fall, Overbrook soccer players might be lining up on a new soccer field for team photographs and saying, “Cheetos.”

Frito-Lay, of Topeka, and Overbrook PRIDE have teamed up to complete a community dream of constructing a regulation soccer field to allow Overbrook youth to play in soccer leagues.

During a reception held Monday to recognize Frito-Lay’s donation of $20,000 to the project, Scott Denny, Frito-Lay manufacturing manager in Topeka, explained Frito-Lay’s parent company, PepsiCo, wanted to make an impact in communities. Several years ago, the company began a community relevance program in which Frito-Lay has contributed to many outreach-type programs in the Topeka area.

After seeing the effect of these programs, Kristie Pryor, Frito-Lay supply chain manager, recognized the significant impact the program could have in smaller communities.

After consulting with experts on parks at Kansas State University and being advised to look into soccer facilities and park design in local areas, Frito-Lay interviewed several communities in Kansas. When Frito-Lay saw the dedication of Overbrook’s young soccer players using a makeshift baseball field, the company wanted to play a role in supporting their soccer spirit.

See Soccer | A3

Denny said Frito-Lay wants to be able to say, “We’ve made a difference.” Kristie added that the grant would “benefit a lot of folks – especially the children.” Scott said his interest in soccer accounts for part of his enthusiasm for the project.

With Frito-Lay granting $20,000 to Overbrook PRIDE, the organization matched the contribution with funds received from Jones Trust and private donations. The funds will be used in excavating and completing dirt work, and leveling and seeding the field. The money will also be used to purchase goals, bleachers, materials, fencing and signage. The hope is for seeding to be completed by spring, with possible use of the field by fall. Still to be completed are the installation of 20 historic light poles, which have been purchased. Six of the poles have been restored and 14 are ready for restoration, awaiting sufficient funds to accomplish this goal.

The soccer program has been established through Overbrook Parks and Recreation, with plans to expand and hold tournaments with local teams, and teams in Topeka and Lawrence leagues. The dedicated regulation field will allow Overbrook’s soccer program to be expanded to both spring and fall.

The teams have been restricted to playing in fall because of the borrowed baseball field. Playing both seasons will allow the teams to compete with other leagues. Overbrook’s soccer program has involved 100 to 140 boys and girls playing on the baseball field. The program has 10 to 15 soccer teams through the eighth grade that play against Osage City, Lyndon, and Scranton.

During Monday’s reception, PRIDE committee members noted that many local volunteers have helped to make the new soccer field a reality. Doug Cloud loaned a road grader to the project; Bob Brady graded the road, scraped the top and leveled the playing field. They both will contribute equipment and time to provide regrading as necessary.

Former Westar Energy employee Ben Brady put his surveying skills to good use in layout and design of elevation and drainage, and setting construction flags. The field measures 300 feet by 150 feet.

A goal of Frito-Lay and PRIDE is to have an opening day celebration in the fall. Denny said he wants to “make it an event.” He said Chester Cheetah, the company’s mascot, will make an appearance and there will be product giveaways.

Volunteers are still being recruited to help clean up and prepare the field. The soccer field project is part of a bigger, ongoing effort to improve Overbrook’s park facilities.

The officers of the board of directors of Overbrook PRIDE are Jon Brady, chairman of the board, Amanda Cook, president, Jaime Long, vice president, Kathy Coffman, secretary, and Nancy Durbin, treasurer. Other members include Pat Martin, Bob Klingler, Zac Anshutz and Larry Woodson.