Plaza construction moves ahead, expected to be ready for graduation

Despite some setbacks, the new Sports Plaza will be mostly done by graduation, according to assistant principal Kevin Mount.

The construction is expected to be completed by June 2 in time for graduation on June 5, even if interior work in not completely finished.

As of April 21, the project was behind by about a week, which principal Paul Robinson said was the result of delays caused by rain in March and April.

Even so, utility and beginning concrete work have been completed smoothly. Two buildings are already in place and the walls and foundation are also set. Robinson believes that these completed parts will help the overall process.

There is still a lot to complete, according to Robinson, but it is all “coming together nicely.” The lack of recent rain has also been beneficial in the process.

“We haven’t had as much [rain] as predicted,” Robinson said. “And now that the buildings are on site [the crew hopes] to make up the difference.”

In addition to the earlier rain, construction was limited by other problems which were later resolved. A water main was broken when the site was being leveled out but water services were restored.

Additionally, numerous inspections could potentially slow progress. Robinson believes that as the construction crew works closely with inspectors, the process will go faster as it will “minimize the time left waiting to move on.”

Robinson attributes the success of the execution of the construction to careful planning in finalizing the project and believes that work on the Plaza will not hinder graduation.

“I’m sure there will be some minor issues as we finish, but the crew working on this has been excellent to work with, so it will be just fine,” Robinson said.