Still Works, Roller Nation Foundation present phased stadium renovation to Steelton‑Highspire board

Representatives from the Roller Nation Foundation and Still Works Construction outlined a multi‑phase plan to renovate the Steelton‑Highspire stadium, saying demolition could start this spring and that fundraising will determine the schedule for later phases.

"My name is Jonathan Bowser with Still Works Construction," Bowser said, introducing the construction manager team and describing the project’s near‑term and long‑range work. He said phase one would focus on demolition of the main grandstand and visitor bleachers and removal of pavement and utilities to prepare the site. "Permits have already been recorded," Bowser said, and "we're really excited to be able to start, you know, later this spring." (Jonathan Bowser, Still Works Construction.)

Bowser and Mike Rosco, identified in the transcript as Still Works’ director of pre‑construction, described Phase 2 as primarily a field‑use restoration: new turf, new bleachers and possibly a track. They estimated Phase 2 at roughly $3–3.5 million, while longer‑term phases that would add a community building, more parking and additional amenities could cost an additional $10–15 million depending on final design and scope. Bowser described demolition costs as "in that $300,000 range" for the demo portion and cautioned that utility relocation and excavation are major cost drivers.

Trustees asked several technical and siting questions. Board members inquired whether a track would be full synthetic, macadam or gravel and how many lanes it would require; Bowser said the type and lane configuration remain to be decided. He pointed to a proposed community hub behind the grandstand that could include early‑childhood space, a food‑bank or health and wellness areas, and said a separate daycare site was envisioned in preliminary plans. Presenters emphasized the intention to coordinate with district staff and minimize disruption to athletic schedules: "we will still play away this year. Um, yes. Right. As of right now, we will," Bowser said when asked about the current season.

The presenters said fundraising by the Roller Nation Foundation has advanced the project to the point of recorded permits and near‑term mobilization. They described the plan as phased so that initial work (demo and utility relocation) could proceed while later elements — turf, bleachers, a track and community building — are funded and scheduled. Presenters repeatedly noted the estimates are subject to change based on final design choices, permitting, and fundraising.

Next steps described in the meeting: the construction manager and foundation will finalize permitting and coordinate logistics with district staff, fundraising will continue to support Phase 2 and beyond, and the board/staff will continue technical review of track options, parking and stormwater designs. No formal district commitment of funds or final contract award for the full project was recorded in the transcript during this meeting.