By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Students at Marion County Special Education Cooperative will have more opportunity for outdoor sports when school begins this month.

A multi-purpose concrete sports pad will be used for basketball and other sports.

“The goal is to let the kids get more physical activities in,” secretary Patty Putter said.

Putter said before the addition of the pad, students were able to play dodge ball, soccer, and catch a football for outside activities.

A basketball hoop was built by welding students at Marion High School.

Putter said donations for the $5,000 project are being accepted by the special education cooperative. To make a donation, contact Putter or director David Sheppard at (620) 382-2858.