Construction could start as early as late July
Wetlands and a creek sent Fannin County school officials back to the drawing board for the athletic fields and other improvements at Fannin County High School (FCHS).
But progress is back on track with a possible timeline for Phase 2 and a starting point for Phase 3 (See related story).
Darren Danner, the school system’s chief operations officer, and Henry Pineda, of Breaux & Associates Architects, brought school board members and other system leaders up to date on the projects Tuesday, February 26, during a Local Board Training day.
Danner explained the progress in developing about 21.45 acres behind FCHS.
Phase 2 includes the construction of new baseball and softball fields with a combination press box/concession stand, an annex building that will serve sports and high school classes, a hitting facility and tennis courts.
A preliminary design had been completed, but a location study revealed the need for changes. Designers determined wetlands and creek should be avoided, mainly because of the cost in mitigating the wetlands.
This meant the fields had to be turned “a few degrees,” Danner said. Other changes also had to be made included adjusting parking, an access road, and moving a considerable amount of dirt.
Explaining the design of the ballfields , Danner promised, “the sun will never be in the batter’s eyes,” as he told stories of such problems at many fields he has visited.
The school system plans artificial turf for both fields and while that is a higher initial expense, the minimal upkeep will save money in the long run.
The multi-purpose annex building will be two stories of 7,500 feet each.
Danner described it as, “A very vital building that we need.”
The bottom floor will be a weight training room, replacing the current 1,700 square foot facility. Because of that small size, many students are turned away from weight training as a class. The size also restricts the amount of use some athletes need.
The larger facility will solve both needs, and a retractable divider is being discussed to separate boys and girls.
The top floor will be dedicated to wrestling during that season, eliminating the need to constantly move mats. With retractable bleachers, events could also be hosted there instead of having to use the old gym at the high school.
The floor could also be used for competition cheer, dance, and other classes working on projects needing large, open areas.
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Lucas Roof said the annex is also critical in the system’s attempt to secure a National Defense Cadet Corp, a step toward a Junior ROTC program.
School Superintendent Shannon Dillard said this is one area the system is lacking, providing a program to prepare students who want to enter the military after graduation.
She said, “Everything we do needs to enhance the opportunities students have.”
FCHS Principal Scott Ramsey said the annex building, “Really would touch so many of our kids, if not all of them.”
Danner said the building would be used every block of every school day.
If progress continues according to plan, Danner anticipates architectural drawings ready to sent to the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR), Bowen & Watson, in May. The project would go out to bid, which would take 28 days. The CMR would put together a packet of costs from the bids, and present a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) to the school system for the school board to approve.
Once approved, the CMR will create contracts and, once those are signed, it would take about 30 days to mobilize equipment, labor and supplies.
Danner hopes work would begin in late July.
About 15 to 18 months were estimated to complete the project, which Pineda described as “a safe timeline.”