District advances conceptual plans for Reynolds School and Rex Reach athletics upgrades

Monroe County School District staff presented conceptual designs for the Reynolds School campus and updated the board on Rex Reach athletic improvements during the Jan. 28 meeting.

For Reynolds School, planners showed two conceptual site plans. One option places instructional/classroom space at the front of the historic building with operations and maintenance functions behind it; planners said the design would permit dividing instructional and operational uses while adding parking and buffer treatments for neighbors. Staff reported neighborhood participants at a recent community meeting were generally supportive but asked for additional buffering and design refinements. The district said it will further refine classroom layouts and consider single-point controlled entry and fencing as the design advances.

Staff also presented 3-D renderings for Rex Reach that include a covered multiuse training area with four pitching/tunnel bays, a new concession stand with a memorabilia room and improved circulation and ramping. The district reported a $500,000 donation from the Ed & Joan Knight Foundation and said additional fundraising and possible TDC (Tourist Development Council) support remain under discussion. A rough project estimate in the presentation was roughly $4.5 million for the full scope, and staff said they are continuing to review funding sources and develop the design for contractor negotiations.

Board members asked about parking, gated access and whether on-street parking could support evening programs; planning staff said on-street right-of-way parking near the Reynolds site might be usable and that gates would be locked at night. The board asked staff to continue community engagement and return with refined design options and cost estimates.