Site preparations began Monday, Feb. 26, for the construction of the new fieldhouse at Spring Lake High School. 

Preparations continue this week, including mainly tree clearing and logging. For the four initial weeks of construction, the high school’s back (east) parking lot, where mostly staff park during the school day, will be closed and will be partially reopened after graduation. 

Students and staff in classrooms near the construction site can expect minimal disruptions. Principal Ben Armey said there will not be significant noise distractions, but students may be visually distracted by the curiosity of a new project. Parent pick up/drop up and deliveries will not at all be affected. 

The Spring Lake Public Schools Board of Education approved the bond for the new fieldhouse, The Laker Athletic Center, passed by voters in spring 2023. The Laker Athletic Center is set to be opened for the fall of 2025, right behind the high school. 

“As principal I am excited to have more room for P. E. classes during the day year-round, for our band, and student athletes,” Armey said. “The new Laker Athletic Center will be used by high school sports teams, the high school marching band during inclimate weather, P.E. classes, and will be used to spread students out.” 

Armey said he expects that in the future there will be more opportunities for underclassmen to use the fieldhouse. 

Along with the field house, the bond initiative also includes many other renovations to the high school. The high school will have newly added four classrooms, and art rooms, along with renovations added to the auditorium. 

The administrative area will be completely redone in two sections. This will include soft seating areas and small rooms for studying and group projects, with the counseling offices upstairs. The construction will begin right away after the school year comes to a close and will continue throughout the 2024-2025 school year. 

A survey was recently sent out to the SLPS staff members for ideas for the student meeting spots in the administrative area and one will soon be sent out to the students. Most, if not all, high school renovations will be completed for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Armey said the facility is going to be one of the nicest and newest in our area. He encouraged school community members to reach out with suggestions during the planning phase.