The groundbreaking on a $5 million project to redo the athletic fields at Buffalo Grove High School is just over a month away, with the work expected to increase the school’s ability to have better practice and spectator space for such sports as baseball, tennis, lacrosse – and even girls flag football.
The athletic fields will be getting a makeover starting this summer, with additional work planned for coming years.
“A couple of years ago, we only had two baseball home games the entire regular season,” Principal Jeff Wardle said at a February open house where BGHS and school district officials showcased the construction plans and responded to stakeholders’ questions.
“It got to the point where we had to do something,” the principal said.
Rather than just replace the old, the aim is to build something that will still be viable for the entire school and community 50 years later. This vision comes after the high school just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, officials said.
BGHS is one of six high schools in Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214.
Groundbreaking is slated for June 3.
The district and high school hosted two community open house events earlier this year to discuss plans and showcase designs for athletic field renovations across three phases slated over the next few years. The $5 million project will be funded through SD214 capital funds, according to district spokesman David Beery.
At the open house on Feb. 13, Wardle explained the need for the renovation. He said the high school’s north shelf area – where dirt and clay from the original construction of the school were dumped, creating an elevated shelf – has had drainage issues, to the point it became unusable after significant rains in recent years.
With 2,000 students required to take physical education classes all four of their high school years, district officials expect the athletic facilities will get heavy use every day.
“Right now, it’s almost an unusable space,” Wardle said. “There is one stadium we can use, but when you have 2,000 kids, it’s not safe to put them all in that one space.”
District officials also expect the project will improve band practice times and spectator experience.
Currently, when families and community members attend home baseball games or tennis matches, Wardle said they’re basically doing “calf stretches” because of the steep angle off-field, where chairs can’t be placed. The renovations mean grandparents won’t have to stand around to watch their grandkids play, officials said.
It also means more sports and more playing levels.
“We’ve seen a growth in the number of students that participate in athletics at Buffalo Grove,” the principal said. “Also, we’ve been adding more sports.”
BGHS added lacrosse a few years ago and expects to expand levels, as well as add girls flag football soon.
“If you think about a typical spring at a comprehensive high school, we have almost 20 sport levels … that need to use these facilities,” and teams would be competing for space, Wardle said.
The renovation would also have an academic impact, allowing student-athletes to finish practices sooner than later. Currently, due to limited facilities, BGHS they are practicing until as late as 10 p.m., officials noted. Once the new athletic facilities are complete, freshman and sophomore level-teams will be able to practice immediately after the school day ends and be done in time to take the activity bus home. That will free up the practice space for varsity athletes.
“Personally, I like that we may have a competitive advantage,” Wardle said, adding such facilities will attract regionals, sectionals and even state competitions, not to mention the convenience and advantage of home games, where more fans, friends and family members can attend to cheer on their athletes. “To have a usable, playable space almost year-round is just incredible for us.”
Andy Phelps of STR Partners, the project architects, was also present at the open house to provide details and answer questions. He said the firm has been working with the village of Buffalo Grove to address the drainage issues and concerns, looking to provide a more permanent solution. The previous temporary “spot” checks haven’t been holding up, costing staff maintenance time and upkeep.
New bathroom facilities at the North Shelf will mean those attending softball games won’t have to walk to the football field or go inside the school to access restrooms.
“This will allow you to stay right at the action and get back to [the game],” Wardle said.
So far, the SD214 school board has approved phase one. At the time of the open house, Wardle answered a question from a community member about subsequent phases. He said the board is “well-aware” it is a three-part project and that he is “confident” in funding sources as well.
The principal warned there will be some initial “growing pains” during construction, with some games displaced temporarily.
“We do know that the baseball team is very excited about this because they haven’t played at home for many other games, but they will be displaced,” he said, adding the school has agreements to play at nearby village parks
Christine Won is a freelancer.