Canal Winchester lays out $multi‑year plan for performing arts center, field house and athletic upgrades

District staff and architects presented an update on the master facilities plan at the July 14 board meeting, outlining a proposal that would add a 700‑plus‑seat performing arts center attached to the high school, a field house with an indoor turf area, reconfigured baseball and softball fields, additional tennis courts and associated parking and circulation changes.

Staff emphasized that no final decisions or contract awards had been made; the presentation described schematic designs and rough program elements and said the board will be asked to approve schematic design and a budget for design development in September. The district is working with its construction manager at risk and architect partners and expects to request a guaranteed maximum price after design development and construction document phases.

Key features presented: - Performing arts center (PAC): a 700‑seat auditorium with fly space and an orchestra pit, a theater classroom, expanded lobby, restrooms and backstage support spaces. The PAC would connect to the existing high‑school wing and include accessible stage access and designated ADA seating. - Athletics and site work: a relocated baseball diamond, two softball fields with a shared press box (views to both fields), a connected site drive from Dietz Road to the Education Center, additional parking, new band practice field, and two additional tennis courts (bringing total to eight). - Field house: a temperature‑controlled building featuring a 50-by-30 turf area (with drop curtains to create multiple practice spaces), large team locker rooms and an athletic training room, uniform storage, team meeting/film rooms and a VIP viewing patio. - Stadium/track updates: remodel of existing home and visiting locker rooms, expansion of weight room, and addition of a golf room with two simulators. The team described options for turfing — full infield or full field — noting turf reduces growing‑season constraints.

Timeline and approvals: district presenters said schematic design and budget will come to the board in September; they expect to begin site work and “ground movement” in early 2026 with the goal of having phase‑1 assets available by the 2027–28 school year. A phase‑2 package (additional indoor work) was described as contingent on future growth and bond timing and was projected at least five years out, with some planning tied to a 2032 bond‑retirement benchmark.

Cost, permits and community impacts: presenters said a detailed cost estimate will be provided before any final approvals. They noted reconfigured detention and stormwater work (including a visible detention pond in heavy rains) and said the city is engaged in permitting and that parking and ADA access were incorporated into the site plan. The team also addressed neighborhood concerns about balls reaching nearby yards and said the field arrangement minimizes that risk.

Why it matters: the plan would create a multi‑use performing arts venue and expand athletic facilities that affect student programs, community access and operations. The project will also drive bond, construction and maintenance decisions and could require adjustments to local site circulation and recreation use.

What’s next: the board will consider schematic design and associated budget authorization in September; staff said they will return with pricing and a guaranteed maximum price after design development and construction documents are complete. No construction contracts were voted on at the July 14 meeting.