Friday Night Lights Coming Back to Willow Lake
August 20, 2026 // South Dakota Fund Grants
The football field in Willow Lake is undergoing renovations that will transform the once-deteriorating space into a safe and accessible location for football games and community events. With the help of a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant from South Dakota Community Foundation, Willow Lake Area Advancement’s efforts can be focused on a community staple that hasn’t seen improvement in over 50 years.
WLAA has already spearheaded the transformation efforts, restoring the ground to playable condition, with stadium lights and seating coming next. The chance to once again host football games right at home has tapped into the community’s heart and pride, garnering the support of local families, organizations, businesses and high school alumni.
“What WLAA is doing in Willow Lake is a perfect example of a community coming together to support what matters most to them," said Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. "We are honored to play a small part in bringing that field and everything it represents back to life.”
Historically, the field has been home to many local events, including football games, hunter safety courses, skeet shooting and the annual Fourth of July fireworks display. But as time passed, the field became uneven and marked with potholes, making it unsafe for use.
“This project is fundamentally rooted in promoting health and wellness,” said WLAA Board Chair Darcy Pommer. “The football field serves as a central gathering place that encourages physical activity for youth and adults alike, supports school athletics and provides a venue for community events that strengthen social connection and overall well-being.”
The impact of this project extends beyond the WLAA board to the community itself.
“This new field isn’t about creating something flashy for our town; it’s about addressing a real need,” said supporter Logan Tonak. “In a small town, pride in our community means everything.”
SDCF’s South Dakota Fund grants approximately $1 million each year to nonprofit organizations across the state. The grants are focused in nine areas and serve to build stronger families and communities.
SDCF is a public nonprofit organization established in 1987. SDCF administers over 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations across the state. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the foundation distributed over $40 million in grants in 2025. To learn more, visit SDCommunityFoundation.org/giving or call 800.888.1842.