Efforts to revamp the athletic facilities at South Pasadena High are winding down as district officials report the major construction project is nearing completion with a projected end date by the end of September 2020 according to school officials.
Costing an estimated $13.5 million, the effort paid for through a bond measure, is expected to be completed in early fall. It’s being completed as part of a $98 million bond measure.
Work calls for improvements to the school’s two gymnasiums, and a redesign of the area on Diamond Avenue from the stadium south to the pool and baseball field. New outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, visitor bleachers, a new field house, featuring a training, film room and storage, are also in the plans.
“Final grading is ongoing for the site and we are installing the perimeter fencing and amending the planter soils in preparation for final planting,” reads a statement issued by the local school district. “The remainder of the site work concrete, site lighting, tennis courts and basketball courts are scheduled towards the end of the month. We are installing the final finishes in the gymnasium building; lighting and HVAC has been installed and currently operational as we condition the building interior.”
The two gyms, explained SPUSD Superintendent Geoff Yantz, are the key focus, the superintendent saying most of the work will be done on the older, or what he calls the “main gym,” where he entire floor and bleachers will be replaced, new baskets and backboards installed, the lobby renovated, restrooms and outside ticket booth replaced. In addition, the locker rooms will be gutted, restored, and new team rooms will be built.
Final efforts to paint the inside of the gymnasium are ongoing, noted SPUSD officials, adding: “The wood flooring in the main gymnasium is currently being installed with the final sanding, striping and sealing scheduled at the end of August. It is anticipated that the wood flooring in the practice gym will also be completed on a similar schedule. As the final crowning piece, we anticipate installing the ‘Roosevelt’ main entry signage in the last week of the project upon completion of the main entry decorative concrete.”
Once the project is complete, Yantz said the athletic facility will be more inviting, functional for students, as well as the community.