West Scranton High School explores gymnasium addition for sports and education

The Scranton School District Operations Committee convened on July 2, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local educational infrastructure, particularly focusing on the potential construction of a new gymnasium at West Scranton High School. This meeting highlighted the ongoing need for enhanced facilities that serve not only athletic purposes but also educational and community functions.

The committee reviewed various past projects, including a recently completed 400,000 square foot facility featuring a 2,000-seat gymnasium, which was built at a cost of $80 million. This facility, completed in February 2021, serves as a benchmark for future developments. The discussions also included smaller projects, such as a 19,000 square foot recreational facility in Back Mountain and an 18,000 square foot addition at the Burbrook YMCA, illustrating a range of facility sizes and functions that could inform the design of the proposed gym.

A feasibility study conducted in 2013 for the West Scranton High School gym addition was revisited, revealing three potential options for the project, with costs ranging from $4.8 million to $6.2 million. The committee emphasized the importance of integrating educational spaces within the gymnasium, suggesting that classrooms for cyber education could be included, thereby maximizing the utility of the facility for both sports and academic purposes.

Committee members expressed a vision for the gym to serve as a community hub, addressing the lack of recreational facilities in the area. The discussions underscored the potential for the gym to host not only sports events but also community gatherings and educational activities, thereby enhancing engagement and providing more opportunities for local youth.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the need for further analysis and community input to refine the project’s scope and ensure it meets the evolving needs of the district. The anticipated next steps include gathering feedback from stakeholders and exploring funding options to bring this long-discussed project to fruition. The committee's commitment to enhancing educational and recreational facilities reflects a broader goal of fostering community development and supporting student engagement in Scranton.