Schools

District Moving Forward with Bleachers and Lake Bluff Field Renovations

District preparing for summer construction work including bleachers for Shorewood High School's athletic field in time for football season.

Shorewood High School and Lake Bluff Elementary might get a face-lift as the district plans to bid out for upcoming construction projects.

Supt. Blane McCann received verbal approval from the School Board on Tuesday to bid out for construction work on bleachers and a press box at Shorewood High School's athletic field and upgrades at Lake Bluff Elementary which include two softball fields for the girls’ high school team and youth soccer.

The bleachers are part of the Drive to Distinction campaign, started about 5 years ago by a group of parents and a former district principal to help address and fund repairs and renovations for high school’s crumbling  and outdated athletic facilities, McCann said.

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“We really had one of the worst athletic fields in the North Shore,” McCann said. "It is time to get some bleachers up."

. The cost includes a drainage system that allows them to be used shortly after heavy rains. The funds, however, will not cover maintenance of the fields. The school district has $300,000 set aside from its previous referendum.

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A depression for an ice rink at Lake Bluff would be part of the work as well.

Money for the bleachers, on the other hand, comes mostly from private fundraising. The district has already received more than $100,000 in funds for the bleachers, including two donations for $2,000 approved Tuesday. It plans to also use another $110,000 in district funds from their fund 80, a community service fund, and other funds. But that's less than half the expected $450,000 cost. McCann said he is confident the district can raise the remaining funds.

The district did downsize the bleachers from 2,500 seats to 1,315 seats.

McCann said he would bid out separate contracts for the bleachers themselves and the cement pads they will sit on. The work will last approximately 6-8 weeks and be complete in time for football season. Contractors would also prepare for the building of bathrooms, a concession stand and team rooms for placement underneath the bleachers.

The original proposal also included tennis courts and a community building and board member Michael Mishlove said he doesn't feel good about losing the courts. The courts would add  $70,000 to $100,000 to the construction. The district bid out for design models with the tennis court included previously and school officials said they will likely have to pay a design fee again for a model without the courts.


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