Volunteer effort, new building

PALMER -- A community effort is credited with an upgrade of Palmer High School and Machetanz Field.

A group of community volunteers spearheaded an effort to build a new concession stand at Machetanz Field. For years the school has used a set of modular trailers as the snack shack for Moose sporting events, but a group of concerned parents and alumni launched a project last spring to build a new shack for the snacks.

Now sitting atop the hill right overlooking Machetanz Field is a freshly painted blue building, housing all the needs of hungry Palmer fans.

Palmer assistant principal Jim Simmons said the project was completely funded by volunteers and members of the community donated, not only money, but supplies and their time.

"It's a pretty neat deal to get that much support from the community," Simmons said.

Simmons said it was not just the effort of one booster club, but a combined effort from members of several PHS booster clubs, Palmer alumni and residents from across the Valley. Simmons said among the volunteers were Jess and Kathy Hall from Hall Quality Homes. The Halls were able to use their contacts to find the support of contractors and individuals eager to donate.

"It was a community effort," Simmons said.