BUILDING
FORWARD
Dixon Public Schools Capital Campaign
Modernizing Dixon High School’s athletic fields through smart tax funding and community support.
BUILDING
FORWARD
Dixon Public Schools Capital Campaign
Modernizing Dixon High School’s athletic fields through smart tax funding and community support.
THE PROJECT
The goal of this plan is to modernize Dixon Public Schools’ athletic and site infrastructure on the campus of DHS while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By utilizing the County Facility Sales Tax as the primary engine for infrastructure, and a community-led Capital Campaign for fan amenities, the district will achieve an updated, on campus facility at Dixon High School.
Dixon Public Schools and the board of education have pledged to commit 2.2 million dollars from the 1% sales tax (county facilities sales tax) over the course of three years in order to install a new artificial turf field and new running track. These projects will be completed in the summer of 2028.
In order to modernize other amenities around the turf and track, the Dixon Athletic Department is coordinating a capital fundraising campaign to raise funds to replace the press box, concessions and restroom areas, and entryway, in addition to adding a new state of the art video replay board. The goal of the capital campaign is to raise 1.5 million dollars to have these updates finished at the completion of the turf and track project.
All images and renderings on the website may vary from actual project.
Turf Field
State-of-the-art turf for safer play and long term durability.
All-Weather Track
Six-lane, all-weather track uilt for speed, safety, and reliability.
Digital Scoreboard
Modern display for better visibility and an enhanced experience.
Bleachers / Seating
Expanded seating for comfort, safety, and united support.
Ticket Booth
Improved entry experience with secure, efficient service.
Concession / Press Box
Upgraded amenities and press facilities for fans and media.
Renovated Restrooms
Clean, accessible facilities for all spectators.
RENDERINGS
The goal of this plan is to modernize Dixon Public Schools’ athletic and site infrastructure on the campus of DHS while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By utilizing the County Facility Sales Tax as the primary engine for infrastructure, and a community-led Capital Campaign for fan amenities, the district will achieve an updated, on campus facility at Dixon High School.
All images and renderings on the website may vary from actual project.
DONOR TIERS
Stadium Naming Rights
$400,000+
Contractual Agreement / Legal Document
Video Board Naming Rights
$400,000+
Contractual Agreement / Legal Document
SAUK VALLEY BANK
Press Box Naming Rights
$300,000+
Contractual Agreement / Legal Document
Entrance Plaza / Concessions Naming Rights
$200,000+
Contractual Agreement / Legal Document
Royalty
$100,000+
Stand alone donation display
Champion
$50,000+
Plaque display- up to 3 lines x 20 spaces per line
Varsity
$25,000+
Plaque display- up to 3 lines x 20 spaces per line
Legacy
$10,000+
Plaque display- up to 2 lines x 20 spaces per line
MVP
$5,000+
Plaque display- up to 2 lines x 20 spaces per line
Dixon Supporter
$1,000+
Plaque display- 1 line / 20 spaces
Purple & White
$500+
Plaque display- 1 line / 20 spaces
Friend of Dixon
$1-499
Recognition on fundraising website
BENEFITS
Player Safety
Modern facilities reduce injury risk and prioritize athlete well-being.
Athlete Performance
Top-tier training and competition spaces help athletes reach their full potential.
Community Pride
A premier complex reflects our pride in Dixon and brings us together.
Revenue Generation
Improved amenities drive ticket sales, events, and long-term sustainability.
Student Experience
Better facilities create memorable experiences for students and families.
School Spirit
Enhanced facilities energize fans and strengthen tradition.
Accessibility
Upgrades ensure all fans can enjoy events in a safe, welcoming environment.
Long-Term Value
Durable, efficient designs maximize impact for generations to come.
Stronger Community
Investing together builds a stronger future for every student.
FACTS vs MYTHS
MYTH
Synthetic turf is abrasive and causes scrapes.
FACT
A common misconception is that falls on artificial grass will lead to more scrapes and cuts compared to natural grass. But in reality, high-quality turf products provide superior cushioning that can actually reduce the risk of these injuries.
The turf system is installed with a specialized infill made of tiny sand and rubber granules, which provide a soft, springy surface. For an extra level of protection, a shock-absorbing pad can be installed underneath. This state-of-the-art foundation is proven to reduce impact and abrasions when falls do occur, helping prevent tears and cuts.
MYTH
Artificial grass is full of harmful chemicals.
FACT
Some parents worry that artificial turf may contain harmful chemicals or VOCs that could pose a risk to children’s health. That may be possible with poor-quality turf, but not with the products we will be using.
Our material is thoroughly tested to ensure they don’t contain any hazardous substances. We’d love to walk you through our process and safety certifications if you’re interested in the technical details.
And unlike natural grass, caring for artificial grass doesn’t require the use of pesticides or fertilizers that can leave harmful residues.
MYTH
Turf harbors bacteria and germs.
FACT
A prevalent myth is that artificial grass is less sanitary than natural grass and can harbor harmful bacteria. Again, this is definitely possible with low-quality turf and shoddy installation practices.
In contrast, the permeable backing of our product allows for excellent drainage, preventing the moist conditions bacteria and germs need to thrive. Synthetic lawns are also inhospitable to pests like fleas and ticks that can carry diseases. With a simple rinse, the turf is easy to keep clean and hygienic for all your backyard adventures.
MYTH
Artificial grass gets too hot for safe play.
FACT
Another concern parents sometimes have is that artificial grass will get excessively hot. Making it uncomfortable or even dangerous for bare feet. On one hand, artificial turf gets a bit hotter than natural grass simply because there’s no moist soil under the fibers. But it’s way cooler than concrete, asphalt, and other traditional play area surfaces.
MYTH
You will need special cleats to play on the field.
FACT
No, special cleats are not required or advised.
FAQs
How will the district fund the turf field and track project?
The Dixon Public School District Board of Education committed to use a portion of the annual county facilities sales tax (1% tax) each year from the 25-26 school year, the 26-27 school year, and the 27-28 school year in order to fund this work. This money has been earmarked over a three year period to pay for the turf and track portions of the project.
What was the process to approve the 1% county facility sales tax?
Voters in Lee County approved the County Facilities Sales Tax (1% tax) in 2017. It went into effect on July 1, 2017 and has been in place since that time. By law, these tax dollars can only be used for ‘brick and mortar’ projects, which consist of new building projects and projects to fix and improve existing structures. These dollars may not be used for other district expenses (employee salaries, benefits, transportation, technology, special education, etc.)
How will taxpayers be impacted by this project?
Taxpayers will not be affected by this project, other than through the county facilities sales tax (1% tax), which has been in place within our county since 2017.
Are my contributions to the capital campaign tax deductible?
Under current IRS rules, “charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose” where no goods or services are provided in exchange for the contribution. District 170 will provide a receipt for all donations received, acknowledging the gift. Donors are advised to consult with their tax professionals regarding the effect of their campaign contributions on their individual tax situations.
Is my donation secure?
Yes, all donations, whether made in person or via the capital campaign website are secure. We have worked through our banking partners to set up a secure online payment portal, just as you would see with other businesses which accept online payment.
Do you share donor information?
No personal donor information will be shared, other than being honored through the donation level system.
What is the timeline for the project?
Planning stages of the project began in the winter of 2025, with board of education approval in the spring of 2026. Groundbreaking will take place in the winter of 2027, with project completion anticipated to be in the summer of 2028.
How will stadium renovations benefit all students?
Students throughout our school district will benefit by having a consistent space for daily physical education classes, athletic practices and competitions, co-curricular and extracurricular activities and events, and community partnerships utilizing the track and field space. Those impacted will include all students in daily PE at Dixon High School, marching band, boys and girls soccer, boys baseball, girls softball, boys and girls track and field, dance, cheer, and football. In addition, graduation ceremonies, local youth programs, and potential community events will all benefit from this project.
What are the benefits of having a turf field vs a natural grass field?
The primary benefit to moving from a natural grass field to a turf field is the amount of events we are able to hold on the field, while still maintaining a safe, aesthetically pleasing field. A turf field also has consistent playing conditions, reduces risk of injuries, and improves athlete performance.
In addition, by switching to a turf field, we will reduce ongoing maintenance costs associated with tasks like mowing, fertilizing, watering, and line painting. Over time, cost savings are a minimal part of the overall decision to move to a turf field .
Will there be an increase in maintenance costs with the new turf field?
No. There will not be an increase in maintenance costs for a turf field. In fact, districts who have moved from natural grass to artificial turf surfaces report decreases in maintenance costs due to the fact there is no mowing, field striping, fertilization, overseeding, watering, and top-dressing, all of which we have traditionally done on our field.