The existing complex...
...The proposed new complex!
With field drainage issues, insufficient locker and restroom locations, and
no welcome area for visiting athletes, the current facility does not positively
represent our school district or community. In fact, due to the condition of the 6-lane
track, the school district has not been able to host a home track meet since 2004.
est
“One of my bigg
d
, grandparent an
nt
re
as a TJ pa
ts
en
m
t in Glenwood
nt
ee
oi
m
pp
k
sa
ac
di
nference tr
co
11
20
e
th
ed
dards.”
hen we host
the necessary stan
t
ee
volunteer was w
m
t
no
d
di
y
lit
hool District
because our faci
s Community Sc
uff
Bl
il
nc
ou
C
14
Keebie Kessler, 20
Year.
Volunteer of the
Visitors from other schools have been dismayed at the condition of the current
facility, and even the local newspaper published critical remarks several years ago.
Parents of softball players must cart in supplies before each game, and the
make-shift concessions stand is often filled with water, but never with moving air.
The proposed facility will include field turf for soccer and
football as well as an 8-lane, regulation track. The school
district has recently hosted meets at other district or college
facilities since the track does not meet required standards.
The trek to restrooms from the baseball and softball fields is lengthy. For both
boys and girls soccer, the only such facilities are temporary. One recent
community member commented, “Oh my goodness,” when driving by the
portables.
In addition to a state-of-the-art track, the new facility will
have specific locations for shot-put and discus events,
improved and additional press boxes, restrooms and new
locker facilities. As needed, score boards will be updated.
Parking facilities for football include a gravel and dirt lot that vacillates
between blowing dust and forming mud puddles, depending on the weather.
Some softball athletes and spectators must park in a grass field that is often muddy.
“Our curren
stadium com
t
plex, does no
unusable trac
t measure up
k
,
d
ir
ty
gr
…We have an
avel parking
provides lim
ited use becau
lots and a nat
ural turf foo
se of weather
continually se
tball field th
conditions an
e the commit
at
d overuse. O
ment that oth
ur student-at
er communit
hletes
ies have mad
athletic facili
e to building
ties for their
Jeremy Stuken
m
yo
odern
u
th
.”
holtz, TJHS
Activities Dir
ector
For one softball field, there is no scoreboard or press box, which limits ability to host tournaments or
games after dark.
Visiting athletes use the middle school bathrooms as their locker rooms.
x will give
tic comple le sports and
le
th
a
d
e
z
ip
“A revitali
band,
y for mult
marching
lass facilit
,
c
ld
te
rs
fi
fi
d
a
n
a
e us an
ack
students
football, tr omplex will also giv
g
in
d
lu
c
in
ec
ntests to
activities,
softball. Th gional and state co
d
n
a
ll
a
b
se
ty local, re to visitors.”
soccer, ba
host quali
to
y
unity
it
n
u
rt
oppo
our comm vities Director.
showcase
cti
y, ALHS A
Jeff Novotn
On the bright side, the district installed new
visitor and home bleachers and repaired concrete
and fencing at a cost of $1.15 million in 2010
because the existing seating was deemed
extremely unsafe.
Parking will be enlarged and enhanced,
doing away with the gravel and dirt fields.
Lighting will be improved to add safety and
aesthetic value. Privacy fences will add to the
security of the school district and its neighbors.
“Having a nice
,
clean and easy
to use facility w
to our schools
ould be a huge
and the families
asset
that volunteer
currently girls
at the stadium
softball is using
events…
a small trailer to
Jen Clark, pare
sell concession
nt and TJHS B
s…”
ooster Club offi
cer
Entry features off 16th Street and off Avenue G
will provide a grand welcome to students, families,
community members, and visitors. One entrance
will show the community’s pride not only in its high
schools, but in its middle and elementary schools.
Way finding signs will easily direct
traffic to the different sections of the complex.
“We know that
there is a substantial positive correlation
between quality sports facilities and top-notice athletic
programs. Council Bluffs students and our community deserve both.”
Dr. Jason Plourde, Principal of TJHS and
Todd Barnett, Principal of ALHS
Two grass soccer fields will augment the
turf field, allowing the complex to be
used for regional and even state contests.
Baseball, softball, and soccer fields will be better
aligned, and concession stands and restrooms
will serve all sports. Bull pens and batting
cages will be improved and added as needed.
“Student
iate
ld really apprec
.
ou
w
athletes
4A schools have
r
he
ot
e
lik
s
ie
lit
ci
tr
fa
have to avel
athletic
meets and not
having modern
k
ac
tr
st
ho
to
on student
t to be able
Thomas Jeffers
s,
ae
R
t
It would be grea
at
M
”
e.
s all the tim
ward Recipient
to other school
ernie Saggau A
B
14
20
d
an
e
athlet