The Duneland School Corporation is soliciting bids to develop a soccer stadium at Chesterton High School as part of $14.39 million worth of projects.
The Duneland Board of Education on Monday gave its final approval to a general obligation bond of $14.39 million to be paid back over 10 years. The board also authorized permission to advertise for bids for the Chesterton High School Soccer Stadium improvements.
Soaring construction costs involving the recently completed $171 million capital improvements program meant that the Duneland School Corporation couldn’t afford to do projects such as the soccer field improvements, replacing the carpet at the high school and replacing playground equipment. The capital improvements program focused on the elementary school buildings and expanding the Westchester and Liberty Intermediate Schools to accommodate Middle School students.
The administration made the decision to borrow the money after the corporation’s financial advisors explained that the cost would be negligible for taxpayers with increasing property valuations in upcoming years.
Chesterton High School’s current soccer field is too narrow, so the team plays its matches at the football stadium.
The girls soccer team uses the current soccer field for practice while the boys team practices at nearby Dogwood Park.
Under the plan, the current soccer field will be widened to regulation size,
Stands that could accommodate 1,000 spectators will be built around the field. There will also be restrooms and locker rooms that will also be used by the lacrosse and tennis teams.
A practice field will also be developed on land east of the soccer stadium.
It is hoped that the school board will open bids for the soccer stadium improvements at its March meeting.
School Board Member Kirk Redman asked Superintendent Chip Pettit when he thought the projects could be completed.
“Best case scenario, we’re ready to go Aug. 1 but knowing how construction can go be prepared for the alternative solutions,” Pettit said.
If the project isn’t finished in time for soccer season, the football stadium would continue to be used for matches.
Pettit said that the replacement of the carpet at the high school could start this spring break, with most of the installation taking place after school is dismissed for the summer.
The carpet hasn’t been replaced at the high school since the building on South 11th Street opened in 2000.
The playground equipment at Bailly, Brummitt, Liberty and Jackson Elementary schools will be replaced during the summer.
The Duneland School Board also selected board member Brandon Kroft to serve as president, while Alayna Lightfoot Pol will be the vice president and Beth Mehling is the secretary. Jocelyn Hibshman, who was elected last November to replace Tim McGinty, attended her first meeting as the new board member.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
