Now that a $7.5 million bond has passed for a new activity center at Eureka Junior-Senior High School, the focus now moves ahead towards construction.
The bond was requested after the activity center was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado that hit the Greenwood County seat last June. Bond committee member Heather Fuez was relieved to see the bond find favor with voters. The destroyed activity center was a joint project involving both the city and the school district 20 years ago, and there were some notable issues with the old structure.
Besides adding a larger gym and a second gym, as well as restrooms and locker rooms, the floor plan also addresses safety-security concerns by moving the district offices to the new building. Fuez tells KVOE News there will be a wide range of benefits when construction is finished, perhaps by Thanksgiving.
Nearly 60 percent of USD 389 voters approved the bond, which will be repaid over 20 years. Construction could begin as soon as March and be finished in November.
Separate work will start as soon as late February or early March on McGinnis Field, the football field that was also heavily damaged. That work will be funded by capital outlay and insurance reimbursements. It should be finished in August, or shortly before football season starts.
