Revamped and Ready to Rally: Our Court and Stands Just Got a Makeover
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy Cameron Kuehler
The gymnasium at the Pierce High is set for a much-needed upgrade this summer, with plans for a new floor and bleachers already underway. These renovations are part of a larger effort to improve safety, aesthetics, and accessibility for both players and spectators.
The floor refinishing will be done by Court Floors, a company based in Battle Creek. The floor, which was last redone in the summer of 2011, has seen better days. Over time, the finish has built up, leaving the surface yellowed and worn.
"The floor just needs to be redone," Kendall Steffensen, the superintendent at Pierce explained. “Every summer, they put a little more finish on, and eventually, it gets too thick and starts to yellow. It’s time for a fresh start."
The new floor will still have its wood finish but will have a much larger Bluejay, with accents of white and black trim, as well as the words “Pierce Bluejays” emblazoned on the side of the court.
In addition to the floor, the bleachers will be completely replaced. The current bleachers, installed when the building was constructed in 1994, are showing signs of wear and tear. “They’ve become not only uncomfortable, but also unsafe, with some areas becoming "spongy" underfoot,” Todd Wragge, a member of the school board, said.
The bleachers are also difficult for older individuals to navigate. For these reasons, the school decided it was time for a change. Although seating will decrease from 1200 to 1000 capacity, the aisles on the new bleachers will be significantly wider with handrails for people to use. In addition, more wheelchair accessible seating will be created with the new bleachers.
The new bleachers, provided by Heartland Seating, a company based in Shawnee, Kansas, will be blue plastic rather than wood, similar to those found in other schools in the area like Battle Creek and Wayne.
The renovation process will begin shortly after the school year ends, with the bleachers being removed first. The flooring company will then refinish the gym floor, and Heartland Seating will install the new bleachers. The entire process is expected to take several weeks, with completion set for mid-July, just in time for the start of the new school year.
With the improvements underway, the gymnasium will soon offer a much-needed facelift, ensuring that athletes and fans alike will enjoy a safer, more enjoyable environment for years to come.
