Board approves plan for PW’s athletic fields

Quote accepted for work on ditch near district’s high school complex

Palestine-Wheatley School Board members approved a plan for the concession stands and restrooms at the new athletic fields during the group’s regular meeting Monday.

Board members also heard an update on the progress of the fields along with an update on the situation with the with the ditch that runs through the property.

District Superintendent Jon Estes told board members that all construction plans must be submitted to the state for approval before construction can begin.

"I showed all of you the plans that were drawn up by our engineers and architects for our new concession stands and our new bathrooms for our athletic fields," said Estes. "We need to approve these plans to be submitted to the state. This does not mean that these will be built because they have to be submitted to the state for approval first. I think if we can get this approved and sent in by the end of this week, I believe we will have state approval by the end of the month, possibly."

Board members unanimously approved the plans.

Estes told the board that he and the company building the athletic fields have been in communication regarding when construction can begin.

"I have spoken with the group that is building our athletic fields and was told that they had the future football field surveyed, and they saw that it dries out quicker because of the elevations," said Estes. "He said that they are scheduled to mobilize on Tuesday; however, they see rain in the forecast. He told me they are ready to mobilize as soon as it is dry enough. I sent him a picture of the baseball field after school showing that it was pretty dry now. I explained that there is always a chance of rain in the forecast."

According to Estes, the ditch running along the west side of the new high school campus needs to be addressed.

"I have spoken with Triple G Excavating who has given me a quote to work on the ditch issue," said Estes. "This big bar ditch that cuts through our campus needs work, and they quoted me $9,500. They will work on grading out the area to make it easier to maintain as well as other things that need to be worked on. I only need board approval on purchases of $10,000 or over.