We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The footprint has been dug out for the new gymnasium at the Harlem Elementary school.
Construction to Harlem schools is progressing nicely according to Marty Dirden, Facilities Director for Harlem schools.
"Demolition is done at the high school and they are compacting and preparing to pour the foundations," said Dirden. At the elementary school, they are beginning to dig out the footprint. The next step will be to extend the existing gas and water lines. This will allow for a fire suppression system.
Construction started in June of this year and if all goes well, is expected to last a year and a couple of months, with the elementary expected to finish a couple of months sooner. This years seniors will not get to enjoy any of the improvements, they only get the misery," said Dirden.
When finished the new construction at the HS will include a larger cafeteria and a functional kitchen. The old kitchen will then be converted to a concession area for ball games. Schedules have had to be adjusted to accommodate the construction. Right now high school and junior high students are being bussed to the elementary school for lunch, so lunch times have been adjusted to allow for everyone to have lunch. Breakfast for all schools is also at the Elementary.
Construction at the elementary is for a new full size gymnasium for physical education and for practices. Once the new gym is complete, the existing physical fitness space will be converted into a library and centralized teacher work area. Then the existing elementary library and teacher work area will be converted into needed classrooms.
Dirden said there have been quite a few challenges to the new construction and working around students. Many safety measures have been taken and new procedures had to be put in for lunch and breakfast access.
Construction at the Elementary took up about half of the playground. "One of the biggest challenges is keeping curious children from the work zone," said Dirden. A fence does separate the construction from the playground.
Dick Anderson Construction is the contractor for the project. Look for further updates as construction continues.
