Published: June 01, 2008 11:45 pm      

Construction begins

Building starts on new WHS fieldhouse

By SALLY SEXTON

H-P Sports Writer



Less than two weeks ago, construction for Westwood’s much-anticipated new fieldhouse began.

The construction is located between the high school and football stadium next to the practice field.

“As the district has grown, this has been a dream and now it’s finally taking shape into reality,” Westwood school board president Carolyn Booker said. “It’s going to be awesome for the kids and we’re very excited about it.”

Other members of the school board were out at the site Saturday afternoon to survey what’s been done so far.

The outline has been dug and bulldozed and the construction company is doing soil tests to make sure the soil is good.

“We’re thrilled to see it finally coming together. It’s finally begun,” Westwood superintendent Ed Lyman said. “We believe the kids will be excited about it and hopefully it will generate more enthusiasm in the community as well.”

The structure will be 12,000-square feet, with dressing rooms for the varsity, junior varsity and freshman boys’ teams.

It will also house the athletic director’s office as well as an assistant coaches’ office, film room and training room.

In addition, the locker numbers are being increased from 36 to 50 lockers.

“The good thing about this is that they’re building for growth,” Westwood Director of Operations Shane Jones said. “This is something that has been in the works for two years and it’s going to be nice and a great addition to our high school.”

Jones said he hopes the fieldhouse can be completed by August so that the football team can use the facilities, but said it might be as late as September before the project is finished.

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Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com