Fieldhouse, 8-lane track, band amphitheater top wish list for McDowell Gus Anderson Field
Township School District's wish list to improve McDowell High School's Gus Anderson Field was presented to the public during a town hall meeting at James S. Wilson Middle School on Thursday.
Priorities outlined by district officials, coaches and staff include an eight-lane track, fieldhouse, and tiered and covered seating for the McDowell Marching Band, representatives of CHA Consulting said. The Albany, New York-based firm has been hired by the district to prepare a master plan for the site.
Additional priorities to improve the facility for athletes include a dedicated area for track throwing and jumping events; new synthetic turf surface; new LED lighting designed not to bleed light from the fields; updated communications and timing; and an equipment storage facility.
Suggested improvements for students and spectators include a covered walkway from McDowell Intermediate High School to the field; updated security features; new grandstands; a new press/coaches' box; a concession building with restrooms; a new scoreboard; and a new entrance and ticketing booth.
The proposed fieldhouse could accommodate a six-lane indoor track; synthetic turf practice areas; and rooms for wrestling, lockers, weights, athletic training and meetings.
Marching band improvements, in addition to the covered seating area, could include a parking lot practice area and additional storage.
Those proposals are still just that, said John Hickok, of CHA.
"It's still a blank canvas," Hickok told those attending Thursday's town hall. "We want your input and suggestions."
A site plan for the field improvements is expected to be completed this summer. The firm also will present a plan to phase improvements over several years "once we get all the puzzle pieces and put them together," Hickok said.
Total cost of the field improvements has been estimated at $10 million to $15 million. A more precise estimate will be available when the plan is completed.
The Millcreek Township School Board has committed $5 million for the project from the $33 million raised in a district bond issue earlier this year. The Millcreek Education Foundation will help raise the remainder of the money needed.
CHA Consulting was among three firms that presented credentials for the project to the Millcreek Township School Board on April 15.
CHA has designed athletic field improvements at Penn State Behrend and more than 150 K-12 school systems, including the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County and Easton Area School District in Northampton County, according to the company's presentation.
Once Gus Anderson Field improvements are designed, community members will be able to comment on the plans during a public open house, according to the district's agreement with CHA.
CHA will be paid $25,000 for its services.
Previously: Millcreek School District, foundation team to raise money for multi-sport stadium
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: What are priorities for Gus Anderson Field? Here's the wish list
