Even a rock solid monument like Tanks Memorial Stadium that was built to last needs a little tender loving care from time to time.

The Statue of Liberty requires frequent facelifts. The monuments in Washington D.C. need to be shined every few years. Ironton's own piece of history and heritage is no different.

A local group of volunteers is ready to work with the Ironton School District to give the nearly 80-year-old facility some much-deserved attention. But the group is looking for the community's help to make it happen.

&#8220That stadium is a vital part of the community. People have been going there for years and years,” said Rick McKnight, secretary of the group Tanks Memorial Stadium Fund, Inc. &#8220Š Tanks needs a little TLC in the worst way. We have to preserve it for our grandkids and everyone else. We have been fortunate enough to see it and they ought to be able to as well.”

Home of the famous Ironton Tanks team, the stadium opened in 1926. The Tanks made history in 1930 by defeating three NFL teams.

Football legends that include Jim Thorpe and Glenn Presnell played on the field in front of the same covered bleachers that Ironton Fighting Tigers fans still fill. Tanks Memorial Stadium received an Ohio Historical marker in 2002.

But the years have not come without some wear and tear. The roof is leaking. Paint has faded. The seats have become well worn.

To address the problems, the group is set to begin a major fund-raising effort to preserve and improve Tanks Memorial Stadium. The initiative has nothing to do with the proposed school bond levy and must come from private fund-raisers.

To make this possible, the organization that includes business owner Mike Carey as president and local attorney John Wolfe as vice president has received tax-exempt status.

&#8220This means we are like any other charitable organization,” said Jay Zornes, the fund's treasurer. &#8220Anyone that donates to us can have that gift be tax deductible.”

Anyone who donates before Dec. 31 can take advantage of special rules that will allow for 100 percent of the donation to be deducted, Zornes said, though he suggested anyone who donates to talk with a tax professional.

&#8220All funds raised will go directly into preserving and enhancing the existing stadium facilities, so that future generations of Ironton youth can have the privilege of playing in one of the most historically significant stadiums in the country,” Zornes said.

&#8220We are not constructing a new stadium, nor will such funds be used for scholarships or to support the football program.

This is a separate account dedicated to raising enough money to make Tanks Memorial Stadium the pride of southern Ohio.”

Any changes will preserve the look and feel of the stadium, Zornes said. Problems that will be addressed first include the roof leaks, termite infestation, problems with the stadium's plumbing and electrical systems and lack of adequate handicap accessibility.

Athletic Director Terry Parker emphasized the importance of preserving the stadium while still working to upgrade the structure and the facilities.

An architectural firm will prepare some designs and then a more exact number will be available. Estimates have been approximately $1.5 million to make all the improvements.

Parker said he believes the dreams of a restored and revitalized Tanks Stadium can become a reality because the community believes in the Tigers and the city's heritage.

&#8220I am confident that corporations and individuals in the community will be very supportive of this project,” he said. &#8220We are already receiving donations and we haven't even started soliciting yet.”

Anyone who would like to contribute can make checks payable to: Tanks Memorial Stadium Fund, 807 S. Third St., Ironton, OH

45638.