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Walla Walla Public Schools: athletic-levy projects nearly complete; ribbon-cutting planned for fall
Summary
An agency official and school athletic staff said projects funded by last year’s capital levy — including new turf, lights, an obstacle course, track resurfacing and expanded tennis courts — are complete or nearly finished, with full completion expected around July 1 and a grand opening planned for early fall.
An agency official for Walla Walla Public Schools said at a community update that projects funded by last year’s capital levy are either finished or close to completion, and the district plans a ribbon-cutting in early fall.
The official said, “Every project we promise our taxpayers is either completed or well on track for completion soon.” Work already finished includes a Hellas Matrix artificial turf at Trident Field with a shockwave pad and EcoTherm infill, and track resurfacing at Garrison Middle School. The official said the turf tested with a G Max rating of less than 100.
Chris Ferens, athletic director at Walla Walla High School, said the community and volunteer group Big Blue Boosters played key roles in delivering the projects. “We are grateful to the support of the community,” Ferens said, noting that bleachers are being installed at Blue Devil Stadium and that the facilities should be fully open next fall.
Other upgrades described at the update include Musco TLC LED lighting with ball-tracker technology at Merce Sports Park; a two-part JROTC Raider obstacle course with 17 components; an expanded eight-court tennis complex replacing a nearly 60-year-old six-court layout; and installation of Cooper Lighting Solutions’ EFISIS lights on multiple fields to enable twilight meets.
The Blue Devil Field project involved constructing a bridge over the Clicker track to allow interior work, installing artificial turf intended for varsity football and varsity soccer, and resurfacing the Clicker track with an Epic x1000 surface and gray exchange zones. The district also relocated shot put, discus and javelin practice areas to dedicated throwing sites outside the infield to improve safety.
Facility amenities under way include repurposing the Borleski visitor bleachers and installing a 2,300-seat home-bleacher system with a four-room press box and filming platform from Southern Bleacher Company (Texas). A 5,600-square-foot field house with restrooms, storage and changing areas was described as part of the project; local contractor Hauck Maichnery is building a restroom facility at Trident Field and a concession stand.
Coaches, students and community members who spoke at the update thanked voters and volunteers. Jason Parsons, who identified himself as head baseball coach at Wallowa High School, said the new lights at Murr have transformed scheduling and play. Eric Hyesaw, head coach for boys and girls track and field, called the new track and throw facilities “absolutely unbelievable” and said they increase safety and practice opportunities. Jaylen Davenport, a senior at Walla High, said the turf and lights make practice and meets better and more accessible for families.
The district said it anticipates all projects to be fully completed by around July 1 and plans a community grand-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony in early fall ahead of the first home football and soccer games on the new field.
