Schools
Final Phase of Lakes High Construction Moving Along
School expected to be completed by start of school year on Sept. 6; remaining projects include paving and landscaping.
They've reached the final stretch up on Farwest Drive.
With the 2011-12 school year commencing on Sept. 6, crews are working to finish the final phase of . The new school formally opened in January, but remaining construction includes the demolition of existing buildings, removal of power lines and the addition of a new football field and track.
Lynn Wilson, the district’s administrator for business services, operations and capital projects, said Phase III is moving along and should be completed on time, well ahead of the Sept. 15 official grand opening.
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“We’re in a mad dash here as we get to the last part of good weather and summer,” he said. “We’ve got landscapers there; trucks going back and forth. If you drive by, it’s an absolutely hotbed of activity.”
The bus loop is complete and crews are pouring the front sidewalk and paving this week. Paving for the tennis courts are finished.
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“It’s progressing,” Wilson said. “The big thing that we had to get done was the sidewalks by the building and then we can go ahead and do the paving part.
“(We also) had to finish the bus loop, and now that’s done. Now we want to separate student parking from parent drop-off parking and keep that away from the (bus) transportation. We’ll get it done; it’s just a rush.”
The new Lakes was constructed as a result of the $65 million school- construction bond approved by Lakewood voters in February 2006.
Wilson said they ran into asbestos during the demolition of the remaining halls, pool and auxiliary gym. The old Army ROTC building will be the only thing that remains.
“That slows things down,” he said. “But on a project that big, you kind of build contingencies in and expect that.
“It’s pretty much right on schedule. Demolition is always an interesting process.”
Wilson said he did not expect any further delays since the academic areas are complete and they are now focusing on the exterior of the buildings.
“I am pleased,” he said. “I want to see the landscaping in and that will make a big difference. It may not be quite as beautiful when we open the school, but it will be done.”
Done. It’s a word Wilson has been looking forward to uttering.
“It’s like, wow, we can put this in the rearview mirror and then think about Hudtloff,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the opening.”