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Baker family increases gift; District 204 approves $2.78M softball field project and construction contract
Summary
Lyons Township High School District 204 approved an amended $3 million donation agreement for a new girls varsity softball field and awarded a $1.4316 million construction contract to Henry Brothers, with cooperative purchases bringing total project cost to $2,778,152.
The Lyons Township High School District 204 board on Monday approved an amended donation agreement and construction contract to build a new girls varsity softball field at South Campus, expanding the project from the originally funded base scope.
Superintendent Dr. Waterman told trustees the original board authorization in February 2024 approved bid specification development and a $2 million donation agreement to design and construct the field. Bids opened May 22, and the base project returned at just over $2 million, with alternates for grandstands, press box, scoreboard, AV and lighting totaling about $710,000, bringing the estimated total to roughly $2.7 million.
"In addition to that original $2,000,000 donation, the Baker family has expressed interest in donating an additional $1,000,000 so that the base project and all alternate items can be included in the project," Dr. Waterman said. The board voted to approve the amended donation agreement to reflect the $3,000,000 total pledge.
Separately, the board approved a construction contract with Henry Brothers. Brian Stayshet (business official) reported the low bidder for the construction was Henry Brothers at $1,427,000 plus alternate No. 1 for $4,600 (total $1,431,600). Additional items — synthetic turf, scoreboard/video board, AV, lighting, bleachers and netting — will be procured through cooperative purchasing for $1,346,552, yielding a project cost of $2,778,152. Stayshet said an additional $220,000 of the $3,000,000 donation is expected to cover architect and project fees.
Board members praised the donation and the planned facility. A motion to approve the amended donation agreement passed on a roll call vote and the contract and cooperative expenditures were later approved by the board on separate roll calls.
What the board approved: the amended $3 million donation agreement, the Henry Brothers contract in the amount of $1,431,600 (including the listed alternate) and cooperative purchases totaling $1,346,552; the total projected project cost is $2,778,152. Trustees said they are grateful to the Baker family and that the project will deliver the field and the additional amenities for student athletes.
Next steps: District staff will finalize procurement through cooperatives and coordinate construction schedules so the project fits the summer timeline for installation and opening.
