Hello Mustangs,
Over the next several months you will see work being done to our track and field area/football field. These much needed renovations are taking place with the support of several local foundations and businesses that have pledged over $1M and the Mustang Victor’s Club, a board approved committee that fundraises and promotes the use of the outdoor space at Meridian Public Schools. This committee is currently fundraising for additional upgrades to our outdoor athletic and academic facilities. If you are interested in learning more about their cause, please visit their website at www.mustangsvictorsclub.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mustangsvictorsclub. In addition to fundraising, the Mustangs Victors Club is also seeking sponsorship opportunities for the project. See their website for a full list of opportunities.
The Meridian Outdoor Facility Renovation Project is a school and community-driven project that is designed to enhance both our academic and extracurricular activities within the school district. This project is specifically designed to expand our academic programs by incorporating more nature-based activities into our curriculum and continue to grow our outdoor extracurricular programs, specifically tied to athletics and arts. Some of these exciting updates include:
Removal of natural grass playing surface on the football field, and installation of a synthetic turf playing surface.
Resurfacing of track
Repurposing of the current football team room to public restrooms.
Newly constructed entrance to football and track facility.
Newly constructed storage building which will be located behind football stadium bleachers.
Resurfacing of the varsity softball and baseball infields.
Demolition, and construction of a new dugout at the varsity softball field.
Construction of two new "Outdoor learning classrooms" on the 40-acres which currently serves as the Coach Bob Cole Cross Country Course. This area will be upgraded to create new opportunities to grow our nature education program, as this acreage contains both uplands and wetlands. We plan to partner with the Chippewa Nature Center and our high school biology classes to design this area for optimal usage.
With over 1,000 students using our outdoor facilities during the school year, these upgrades are needed. Careful consideration has been put into this project regarding ways that all students will benefit, not just athletes. Although we believe that athletics is a form of education, we recognize that they are not for everyone. That is why we want the arts, physical education classes, and the rest of the student body to be able to find benefits in these upgrades. More than 300 young athletes participate in community based youth sports programs that utilize these facilities. Members of the community have access to the track and walking trails for exercise and leisure use as well. The new public restrooms, ticket box and stadium entrance will provide an enhanced spectator experience - not just for track meets and football games, but for other events such as band showcases and Commencement Ceremonies.