For those of you who don’t already know, our high school is building a brand-new, college-like gym. This addition will benefit the entire district and all schools within it. Currently, the ag shop, shop class, and gym are being built—slowly but surely. The new gym will be located where the old bus garage once stood.
This location comes with several pros and cons. One of the pros is that the old bus garage looked outdated, cluttered, and was essentially a waste of space. The new facility will also give the district more gym space, which will benefit our sports programs.
However, one of the cons is the loss of parking space. On the positive side, football players will now have a locker room closer to the field, making things more convenient for them. If I were to compare this facility to another school, it would most definitely be Wesleyan College.
The renovations don’t stop at the gym. We will also be getting an addition to our main educational building. We are all very excited about these improvements and can’t wait to see them put into action. We asked Mr. Nichols some questions about this fantastic new addition. Here’s what he said:
What are the advantages of this new gym and the buildings we are getting?
“The entire project will consist of a new gym, which includes basketball and volleyball courts. There will be an all-purpose room primarily used for wrestling. Four changing/locker rooms will be included. A concession stand will be used for both indoor and outdoor athletics, along with a sitting/viewing area for both indoor and outdoor events. There will also be a trainer’s room.
In addition to the gym, the agriculture shop will nearly double in size, as will the industrial trades shop. An additional classroom will also be added to those areas.
The current gym foyer was remodeled, including new offices and bathrooms. New windows were installed this year, and the rest will be replaced next summer. New offices will be built for the counselors, nurse, and athletic director as well.
Finally, the oldest part of the building—which is nearly 100 years old—will be remodeled over the next three to four years.”
How much is this whole project going to cost?
“Approximately $25–$28 million.”
When do you think all of this will be completed?
“Some of the remodel is already completed. The additions to the ag and trade shops, along with the new offices, will be completed before school starts next year. The gym will be finished around Halloween of next year, and the old building remodel will be completed over the next three to four summers.”
What are you excited about in the upcoming years?
“Personally, I look forward to the very old building being remodeled. From a community standpoint, we have heard lots of requests for more athletic space, so that will be a highlight as well. Eureka High School has served students for nearly 100 years. This project will put us well on our way to serving students for the next 100 years.”
