Celebrate Lakewood High's Construction Ending

LAKEWOOD, OH — For approximately 10 years, Lakewood High School has been under some kind construction. This year, the work has finally come to a close. To celebrate the end of construction, the district is hosting a community rally on Nov. 30.

The event, which is being called the Purple & Gold Ranger Rally, will be held at 6 p.m. and will give attendees to see the final piece of the construction puzzle: the 21,000-square foot gymnasium. The new athletic facility at the high school includes playing courts, a weight room and a community fitness area.

The rally will feature a dedication ceremony and an athletic exhibition extravaganza. Athletes from various sports will showcase their skills in the new gym. Plus, the Ranger spirit team will be on-hand to pump up the crowd.

Attendees will be free to roam around the new facilities, checking them out, or to make use of the indoor track with a light walk or jog. The high school's Ranger Shop will also be open for business, so those looking to buy some Lakewood Schools gear will have the opportunity.

The Lakewood Athletic Boosters will also be on-hand serving concessions, the district said in a press release.

The high school has been debuting its renovated or newly built wings to the public in sections. The new academic wing opened after the 2016 holidays and the eastern wing of the school was opened up in late August 2017.

The celebration for the end of construction also comes on the heels of Superintendent Jeff Patterson's announcement that he will retire after this year. Patterson said in a statement that the district's completion of various project, including construction, helped him feel comfortable stepping away.

"I decided to announce my intention at this time to allow our Board of Education sufficient time to search for Lakewood's next Superintendent. Our construction projects are coming to an end, our District is in fine financial shape, and our union contracts are extended until 2020. Now is a good time for leadership change," Patterson said at the time.

For those that want to remember the old Lakewood High School, a photo gallery of the building, pre-demolition, can be found by clicking here.

Photo from Lakewood Schools