The district recently sold a portion of the property to the State Employees Credit Union to build a new bank at the corner of Tenth and Jefferson streets. “It has taken us a while to get to this point. That sale gave us the seed money we needed,” said board member Mike Salanik. “We used nearly $100,000 in lottery funds to relocate the power lines for the safety of our students and athletic spectators so now we’re ready to move forward.”

Phase one would include a regulation soccer field ringed by a track, lighting, temporary bleachers, and a gravel road access.

Medlin’s company has built numerous complexes and playgrounds for school districts across the state. He said he would like to have a master plan developed for the site by October and present it to the full board of education in November.

Board Chairman Jay Carlisle said once the master plan was completed, the district could look at grant opportunities to fully fund the project. “We’ve met with community members and our parents who have given us incredible input on the master plan. Right now we want to make sure we have proper seating capacity, look at details like drainage and the overall cost to the district in maintaining a complex like this in the years to come.”

It’s estimated it would take six months to a year to complete the first phase once construction begins. Eventually the complex would include tennis courts, a baseball field, an area for the school’s band or football team to practice, permanent bleachers, restrooms, concessions, and storage facilities.

 “This will be great for our students and the community. I’m just excited to see us move forward,” Davis said.