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Board hears $920,550 design request for Gus Anderson Field; fundraising plan to cover construction costs
Summary
District sought approval for $920,550 in design services for a renovation of Gus Anderson Field (turf, bleachers, press box, restrooms, track) and outlined a plan relying on a $10 million set‑aside plus booster‑led fundraising, naming rights and grants to cover remaining costs estimated near $19.5 million.
Mill Creek Township School District administration on Monday asked the board to authorize design services for the proposed Gus Anderson Field renovation and described a multi‑pronged fundraising approach to cover construction costs.
Staff said the design‑only contract they are seeking approval for totals $920,550; administrators emphasized that the fee covers design work only and does not include construction administration. The renovation scope described includes a new turf field to address drainage and field life concerns, replacement bleachers for home and visiting sides, a new press box (with elevator required for code compliance), separated visitor and home restrooms, additional storage and concessions, and upgrading the track from six to eight lanes.
Why it matters: administration presented an estimated construction cost in the neighborhood of $19.5 million and said approximately $10 million has been identified from prior actions. The district said it does not plan currently to fund the full construction out of the operating budget and intends to rely on a booster club (using 501(c)(3) status) to lead fundraising for the remaining roughly $9.5 million. The district is pursuing grants and will market naming rights to support the effort. Staff said the design work is necessary to create renderings and materials for fundraising.
Board members pressed on neighborhood impacts (the proposal shifts the field west toward the property line but retains a 30‑foot buffer and leaves most trees on the property line), lighting impacts and code requirements. CHA representative Chris Richardson confirmed that code and accessibility requirements mean an elevator will be required for the proposed 1,100 sq ft press box. Administrators said they will meet with residents and township supervisors to share plans and address concerns.
Next steps: the board discussed the risk that fundraising may not reach targets on the timetable presented but heard that the district could temporarily float up to $5 million if necessary and that the fundraising timeline will be clarified once a formal plan is presented. Administration intends to move the design request through committee so fundraising materials and RFPs (naming rights valuation) can be finalized.
