In response to the growth of College Place and increasingly tight program spaces, the College Place Public School Board approved moving forward with the design and construction of a state-of-the-art Activity Field House. This much-needed facility will provide a versatile indoor space that supports a wide range of learning, athletic, and community events—addressing current demands without imposing any additional tax levy on our taxpayers.
The new facility will feature a roughly 11,000 square-foot main field house that includes:
• A robust steel structure with sport court flooring that can accommodate:
· Two full-size built-in basketball courts
· Configurable setups for multiple indoor volleyball courts, indoor soccer, and multiple batting cages
· Spaces for wrestling and cheer activities
• Comprehensive heating, air conditioning, secure card access, and integrated security cameras
Complementary spaces include multi-use restrooms, a small concessions area overlooking the athletic fields, and ample storage designed for both indoor and outdoor sports equipment.
“Our community has always expected excellence—not only in the high-quality programs offered within our schools but also in the facilities that host these activities,” said Jim Fry, Superintendent. “This new field house is designed to meet those high expectations. It addresses our pressing space needs during peak times and provides a modern, flexible venue for both school and community events.”
Eva Brown, CPPS Board President, stated, “Our district’s long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility and innovative resource planning has enabled us to move forward with this transformative project without placing any additional burden on taxpayers.”
In a further testament to the district’s proactive financial planning, nearly the entire project is being funded through savings interest and the strategic reallocation of funds originally designated for other initiatives. The District acquired state and federal grant support for those projects. This careful financial strategy reinforces the District’s dedication to investing in our community’s future while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship.
Set to become a central hub for daytime learning activities, after-school programs, athletic practices, and large-scale tournaments, the Activity Field House will support the growth of College Place Public Schools' programs. It also promises to generate future revenue through event rentals, further enhancing the community’s experience and pride in our district. This significant project not only addresses immediate space challenges but also supports the long-term growth planning of the district.
The project will move forward with formal steps to hire an architect, entering the design phase, and fulfill the necessary steps for planning with the City of College Place. The District is hopeful that it can be ready to break ground in early fall with completion anticipated within approximately one year.
Further information is available on the District's website.