The timeline for completion of the renovation work of the green space area between the Myers Elementary School and the middle/high school at Bellwood-Antis may be a little longer.
On Tuesday, school board members heard from the district’s secretary Ken Swanson, who said because of the activities that take place on the field, contractors may have to complete the project in three separate stages rather than the two stages as discussed previously.
“The first stage of the project is already completed and things there are looking good,” said Swanson, “but looking ahead and further analyzing the situation, we may not be able to finish the other two stages at the same time.”
According to Swanson, two activities, high school band and junior high football, would need displaced should the work go on as planned. The high school football team has already been moved to the baseball field, which is also causing problems.
“What we’re looking at doing is completing one more section in the fall, then waiting until next year for the last part,” he said.
The choice to re-landscape the green space area arose a few months ago when school board officials were informed that conditions on the field could possibly lead to an injury for anyone that uses the area. Years of wear from foot traffic and the parking of automobiles have left deep ruts in the field, as well as thousands of small rocks, stones and gravel.
Officials also discussed what type of barriers will surround the field. Everyone agreed that the barrier should not look “institutionalized.”
Swanson told the board that he is looking into some options and will present this information, along with prices, to the board during its voting meeting on Tuesday.
In other buildings and grounds information, the board:
•learned bids will be finalized this month and advertised most likely next month;
•learned the track re-surfacing project is nearly complete. Precision Sports, the group doing the project, was contacted regarding overspray in specific areas. Swanson said he received a return call from the group, but hasn’t made contact as of yet. This will be taken care of by the next meeting.
