Sports Fields, Theater Need Updates
The School Board has been discussing the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) matrix at recent meetings and one of the issues raised was that of the athletic facilities and auditorium at the High School. Both experience heavy use and need repairs.
Currently, our soccer, lacrosse and football teams share a grass field behind the school for practices and games. Because the field is real grass, we cannot allow multiple practices or games per day on it to preserve the field. Also, there are no lights, limiting practices and games to afterschool daylight hours that are few during the fall and spring. Additionally, there are no bathroom facilities.
Our track and field team currently uses Barnard Park for their practices. Originally built in 1985, the track unfortunately does not meet NHIAA standards nor is there enough parking to hold a meet. The team has not been able to host a track meet in at least 10 years, if not more. The track also needs significant repairs that were originally presented to the CIP committee in 2007 for implementation in 2009 but have been postponed through the CIP process.
Heiber Auditorium was built in 1972 and is used by our music and theater department as well as widely by the community. Unfortunately, some of the seating (installed in 1989) needs replacing, we do not have the appropriate handicap (ADA) compliance and the shortage of storage has earned citations from the Fire Marshall. We need to improve upon this.
In 2009, the Co-Curricular Activities Support Team (CAST) completed a study on these 3 facilities at their own expense. During this study they carefully examined numerous options and compared cost-effectiveness. In light of the existing issues and the needs for improvement, the Committee’s final recommendation was to build a new track around the football field, replace the grass field with more durable synthetic turf, and add lighting, seating, bathroom facilities and storage.
Because much of this work needs to be done, and because the proposed costs have increased significantly during the years it has been put off, it is the Board’s recommendation that we start the renovation process next year.
Good Luck to GHS Scientists
The School Board would also like to take this opportunity to wish good luck to GHS senior Jay Lizotte as he heads to Chicago this month to represent GHS at the National Science and Engineering Exposition. This opportunity results from his and GHS teammates Steven Edmonds and Katie Veneman winning First Prize for their research on Acid Rain Titration in an Aquatic Environment at the NH Science and Engineering Exposition. While in Chicago, Jay will join some of the brightest young scientists in the country as he presents his group’s research. In addition to the potential of winning scholarships, the top National projects have the opportunity to win all expenses paid trip for their entire team to the International Competition in Sweden. Well done and good luck!
Download the Building Committee Presentation (PDF Format)