District 218 Unveils $79 Million Athletic Facility Upgrades

News Summary

District 218 is set to invest $79 million in upgrades to athletic facilities at Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools. This initiative includes the construction of new field houses, theater expansions, and gym renovations aimed at enhancing student athletic experiences. The Eisenhower field house will feature a comprehensive range of athletic facilities, while enhancements at other schools reflect a commitment to improving educational standards. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025 and August 2026 for the respective high schools, with funding strategies outlined to support the project.

District 218 to Invest $79 Million in Athletic Facility Improvements

District 218 officials have announced a significant investment of $79 million for upgrades to athletic facilities, including the construction of new field houses at Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools. This enhancement aims to better serve the district’s approximately 5,429 students across its three high schools: Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard.

Timeline for Construction

The construction of the new field house at Eisenhower High School is set to be completed by December 2025, while the field house at Shepard High School is scheduled for completion in August 2026. Additionally, theater expansions at both high schools are expected to finish this summer, with further construction commencing early next year.

Financial Overview

Business Manager Anthony Corsi presented updated plans for financing the project, which involve selling over $18 million in bonds during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Approximately two-thirds of the overall project costs will be covered using the district’s reserve funds, while the remaining costs will incur as debt. The district aims to avoid a referendum for funding by bridging the gap between existing funds and required amounts.

Parameters for the upcoming bond sale will be established during the board meeting on August 21.

Need for Upgrades

Superintendent Josh Barron emphasized that the investment is critical for maintaining competitive athletic programs, especially as nearby districts, such as District 229, make significant improvements. For example, Oak Lawn High School within District 229 is constructing a $40 million field house set to open in fall 2026.

Details on Facilities

The new Eisenhower field house will measure 35,000 square feet and will be equipped with modern amenities, including a four-lane, 160-meter track, a 4,000-square-foot weight room, a batting cage, a climbing wall, a long jump pit, and a pole vault area. It will also feature three basketball and volleyball courts interconnected through athletic commons and corridors leading to the school itself.

Comparatively, the field house at Shepard will be smaller but similarly equipped, featuring a weight room of comparable size, a three-lane, 130-meter track, two batting cages, a long jump pit, and a pole vault area. Like Eisenhower, it will also include three court spaces for basketball and volleyball.

Transportation Logistics

Traffic and parking at Eisenhower are not expected to be disrupted this fall; however, logistical arrangements for Shepard’s facilities are currently under evaluation. Families of students can expect an update from the school during the first week of August.

Additional Improvements at Richards

Richards High School will not have a field house due to space constraints. Instead, it will commence gym renovations in spring 2026, with completion anticipated the following year. The updated gym will encompass 7,000 square feet and will be specifically designed for physical education classes. Administrative offices at Richards will also be relocated between December 2025 and April 2026.

Further construction at Eisenhower will include relocating band and choir rooms, with this work set to begin in January 2026 and conclude by August.

Conclusion

The upgrades and expansions within District 218 are poised to enhance the athletic and educational experience for students. By investing in these state-of-the-art facilities, the district aims to foster a competitive spirit and provide students with exceptional resources.

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Additional Resources

• Chicago Tribune: District 218 Unveils $79 Million Athletic Facility Upgrades
• NBC Chicago: Several Chicago Area Schools Announce Closures Ahead of Expected Snow
• Patch: OLCHS Dist 229 Board Approves $41.6M Budget for New Field House
• New York Times: House Trans Athletes
• TownLift: Park City School District Board of Education Approves $38 Million Toward Treasure Mountain Sports Complex