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Architects present phase 3 options for stadium, seating and circulation; board asks for more study on jump pits, parking and accessibility
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Summary
LPS Architects presented two options for phase 3 of the campus master plan that center on a full concourse, relocated locker rooms and additional parking. Board members and staff raised concerns about jump‑pit visibility, restroom parity, student parking and driveway traffic; architects will return April 2 with cost estimates and phasing.
LPS Architects returned to the Manheim Township School Board with an update on phase 3 of the campus master plan, outlining two illustrated site options that would reconfigure stadium circulation, seating and support facilities.
"We're gonna come back in April 2 and give you a recommendation of the direction that we wanna go with it," said Chris Linke (introduced by the board), framing the short timeline. He told the board the team has worked on the study since November and expects a formal board recommendation in April and a potential vote April 16.
Architects described Option A as a concourse stretching across the stadium complex with primary ticketing and concessions anchored in the southwest corner, storage and toilet space under new bleachers, and an expanded parking area on the stadium's south side. A roughly 500‑seat structured bench area and press box is shown to serve Journey Field. Option B is a variant that rotates part of the building footprint to capture the stadium end and suggests an internal loop for drop‑off circulation rather than separate in/out drives.
Board members raised several design concerns during the question‑and‑answer period. One member asked about ticket‑booth placement and whether concessions could be consolidated because staffing two small stands could be impractical; another raised the potential loss of visibility and safety if jump pits were relocated behind visitor bleachers and near an adjacent retirement community. An architect said the jump‑pit relocation and some traffic items "need to be studied further." The presentation also referenced "body parity" requirements for restroom design; the architect confirmed more fixtures for female restrooms are planned to reflect typical use patterns.
Assistant Superintendent Dale Ramey said the steering committee includes administrators, athletic staff and architects and that the project team will tour campus and solicit coach and program input before returning with cost estimates and a priority matrix to guide decisions.
Next steps: the architects will revise options, provide cost estimates and phasing, and present an updated recommendation on April 2. A zoning variance from Manheim Township will be required as a subsequent step, the architects said.
