Phase 2 improvements to athletic facilities discussed
Vince Lindsey
A Community Conversation meeting was held Nov. 16 in the Strasburg High School gym to discuss phase two improvements to the athletic facilities.
“Phase one was the construction of the MAC gym and weight room, and phase three would be consideration of constructing an auditorium,” Superintendent Vince Lindsey said.
Lindsey said plans are to expand the running track to eight lanes, reconstruct the football field, add turf, and renovate the shot put and discus area. A race finish line building also could be a possibility. He said the football field is off-center on the visitors side and would be realigned.
On land owned by the district, there would be softball and baseball fields constructed north of the school that would include dugouts, attached locker rooms, a concession stand, batting cages and a sidewalk.
Lindsey said additional parking would be included and would reduce the size of the detention pond by filling it halfway with dirt.
The facilities at Franklin Park could be used for youth games.
There would be a band practice field south of the school and renovations to the playground. Other options also are being explored.
Lindsey said village council is on board with the plans, and the board of education has the best interest of the district in mind. He said the school is the heartbeat of the community and indicated nothing about the project is set in stone.
“We need to be honest and transparent, and these are the first of many conversations,” Lindsey said.
John Picard of Massillon has been hired as the architect, and Beaver Construction is the engineer for the project.
“We plan to move toward placing a $10 million, 30-year bond issue on the May 2025 ballot. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $11 a month,” Lindsey said.
The current bond issue for the new school expires in 2031.
Gary Spinell, athletic director, introduced the fall teams and coaches. He said the football team went to the playoffs, which has not happened in a long time, and the volleyball team played in the Final Four at the state tournament, a first in the history of the district.
Board President Kevin Harvey said great things are happening in the school district.
Jordan Boggs, board member, thanked the teachers and staff. He said he is proud of this community and believes in modernizing the community for the children.
“We are asking for new money. Without our school our properties’ values would not be that great. The time for the projects are right. We are financially sound, but there is no funds for new facilities,” board member Diana Flickinger said. “The last time we asked for money was 2004. So there has been no new money for 20 years.”
A committee will be formed to promote the bond issue. Anyone interested in volunteering can call the school at 330-878-5571 ext. 4.