Schools
District Shoots For Dec. 17 Grand Opening For Gym/Community Center
$15 million project has seen several delays
A grand opening ceremony for the gym/community center at has been scheduled to be held almost 2½ years after ground was broken.
Superintendent David Baugh announced Tuesday that the public event will be held Dec. 17.
“This will have an immeasurable and longstanding benefit to this community,” he said during the school board's meeting. “It is impressive that different government agencies can work so well together on behalf of their constituencies.”
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Of the total $15 million estimated price tag, $2 million came from township coffers and another $2 million from a township grant.
The new facility features a three-court gym with seating for 1,700 and an elevated track.
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After Tuesday's board meeting Baugh said there is still some minor electrical work to be completed and the has not yet received its certificate of occupancy from the township.
Ground was broken for the 45,000-square-foot facility in July 2009 and district officials were planning a grand opening this past summer. But , according to district officials. And then the building's maple floor sustained about $240,000 in water damage during August storms.
As a result, about 10,000 square feet of the floor had to be replaced and there was concern the boys and girls basketball teams might not be able to play their first home games of the season in the new facility.
School board member Kim Rivera said Tuesday that the district is hopeful the new gym will play host to a boys and girls doubleheader Dec. 15.
Athletic director Val Ridge previously said the the boys' first home game is scheduled for Dec. 15 against , while the girls' first home game would be Dec. 13 against Academy Park. It was unclear Tuesday night if the Dec. 13 game is being moved to Dec. 15.
Superintendent David Baugh told Patch the grand opening ceremony will begin at noon and will include an alumni basketball game along with appearances of elected officials. He said more information soon will be posted on the district website.
