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$74K approved for turf and batting cages
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · November 30, 2017


Three walls up. Roof on. Soon, workers will move inside the multi-purpose shed going up east of West Branch High School. So, the Board of Education on Nov. 13 took the next step: Laying down $74,000 to start putting stuff in it.


The first thing: Turf. Kiefer USA edged out one other bid by less than $20 to land that project. The board OK’d just $5 under $45,400. On Deck Sports submitted the second of two bids: $45,413.

Second came batting cages. NGE Inc. won that project by bidding about $28,600, significantly less than On Deck Sports’ bid of nearly $59,500.

The school board unanimously approved both bids.

Superintendent Kevin Hatfield said both batting cages, when not in use, lift out of the way, however the more expensive unit leaves cables dangling.

Hatfield noted the two lower bidders both worked previously with Mid-Prairie school district.

The turf, he said, would come in sections for installation. In the future, the school could paint walking or track lanes.

Hatfield said he estimated about $100,000 for equipment for the building and $600,000 for the building itself, the latter of which looks like it will come in about $425,000 to $450,000.

“I think this will be a good facility for us,” he said, adding that the district will open the building to community use.

“The district is working to establish free community use times (outside of district and youth sport activities) that will allow for walking, pushing of strollers (and) exercise needs in the future,” read a memo to school board members.

In that same memo, Hatfield writes that he predicts the building could open in mid- to late December.

“We could put the weight room in the back area,” Hatfield suggested. “This gives us some flexibility we never had.”

Board President Julie Sexton reminded him that one reason for building the multi-purpose shed was because school staff stressed a need for more storage space.

The building is designed to include 1,100 square feet of storage space.

Hatfield said the shed is built tall enough to later add a second level, something the district originally hoped to do at first.

“It’s 21 feet in the air,” the superintendent said. “We didn’t do (the seond level) due to the cost.”

Board member Amanda Whaley asked if the building needs a sprinkler system.

Hatfield said the lack of a second floor means it is not required.