CHS track, but not bleachers, near completion

The Coupeville School District is asking for cooperation and patience from football fans when the Wolves begin playing games at Mickey Clark Field this fall.

The Coupeville School District is asking for cooperation and patience from football fans when the Wolves begin playing games at Mickey Clark Field this fall.

The first of three construction phases designed to renovate the school district’s buildings and athletic fields is on schedule and should be concluded by Aug. 26, according to Athletic Director Willie Smith.

Among the completed projects is a new rubberized surface on the 32-year-old track the circles Mickey Clark Field. Football fans will find a new track but not permanent bleachers; temporary bleachers will be used for this season.

“The hope is to eventually get new, covered bleachers on what is now the visitors’ side,” Smith said. “There will be more information about seating as we get closer to the fall sports season, but it will be a big transition for everyone as we will need to retrain everyone to use the walking paths and mats to get to the stands and restrooms and stay off the track.”

The new bleachers, when built, will include a new press box.

Phase one also includes replacing the HVAC system in the Performing Arts Center.

The renovations are all part of a $5-million capital project levy approved by voters in April of 2015.

The renovations began when new bleachers were put in the high school gym last summer.

Phase two will begin when phase one is completed.

Among the future projects are renovations to the baseball and softball fields and the practice soccer field.

In phase three, a new auxiliary gym will be built at Coupeville Elementary School. Currently, the multipurpose room is used as a cafeteria and gymnasium.