Briston Park & Athletic Complex

Through the generosity of the Britson family, approximately seven acres of land was purchased in September 2009 for a new park in west Roland. The land is on the south side of West Maple Street (County Road E-18) just west of Britson Circle. Currently the Park Board is working on plans that will include a play structure, several soccer fields, a small football field, softball and baseball diamonds.

The land has been leveled and seeded with grass. It is also being shaped to help prevent water runoff into the Britson Circle neighborhood. At this time fundraising efforts and grants are being pursued to help in the development of the park.

The new park will initially have two softball/baseball fields with room for a third field, as well as land for soccer and football, along with playground equipment. The land is on the south side of West Maple Street (County Road E-18) just west of Britson Circle. Image above is looking north from Authur Drive.

Our fundraising kick-off event was a success! We had 19 entries of chili. We don't have an exact count on attendance, but we are guessing more than 150 people came out to support the park and have a fun night. Our Celebrity Judges for Chili Cook-off were Gary Thompson (All-American and Roland Rocket), Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler (Head Softball Coach ISU), Middle School Principal John Sheahan, and Mayor Roger Fritz, had a tough job of judging all the delicious chili's.

The winners were...
Specialty: (which is a soup that is not chili). Adam Pitman with Cheeseburger Soup
Mild: Kelly Popp with PoppaK's Chili
Hot: Roland Rocket Fuel by Audra and Larry Ford
The People's Choice: Adam Pitman took home his 2nd trophy of the night

Our silent auction brought in over $3000! A big thank you goes out to the businesses that donated items for our auction and supplies for the Chili Cook-Off. Total amount for the evening was just over $5,000.

With the kick-off event behind us, we want to keep up the momentum so stay tuned to this website ways to donate and contribute to the park! We will also keep the site updated with future fundraising events. If you have ideas on future fundraising events, contact any sub-committee or park board members listed on the site.