URGENT UPDATE: The Newton Community School District is moving forward with a cost-effective plan to build a new storage garage at H.A. Lynn Stadium, following the removal of existing storage beneath the visitor bleachers. Maintenance supervisor Jack Suttek revealed the proposal during a school board meeting on July 14, highlighting significant potential savings for the district.
With new bleachers set to be installed, the current storage space will no longer be available, prompting the district to act swiftly. Suttek confirmed that by taking on the role of general contractor, the district could save between $20,000 to $40,000 compared to hiring an external contractor.
“This facility will be a 30-by-60 steel building, designed with a 10-foot door for football equipment,” Suttek stated. The district is committed to ensuring that all sports teams have adequate storage space, with discussions ongoing about specific needs for shelving and storage areas.
The estimated cost for the garage includes $25,000 through Menards’ “Design & Buy” program, with an additional $15,000 to $20,000 allocated for construction. The concrete slab necessary for the building will cost around $18,000. Suttek emphasized the importance of acting quickly, stating, “We’re looking at getting that thing done for $63,000. If we had a contractor do this, it would exceed $80,000 plus the slab.”
The new garage is set to be strategically located against the fence near the long jump pits and storage sand piles, ensuring easy access for maintenance equipment. Ryan Rump, the athletics and activities director, is actively engaging with coaches to finalize the design and ensure it meets the needs of all teams.
This proactive approach not only secures necessary storage but also represents a significant fiscal responsibility by the Newton Community School District. As plans progress, the district aims to finalize the design and initiate construction before the new bleachers are completed, ensuring that teams are not left without essential storage during the transition.
Stay tuned for further updates as this project develops, and watch for additional announcements regarding the garage’s design and construction timeline.
