MORGAN -- Ground is being moved at the future sites of the Morgan School District Trojan Century Center and the district transportation facility. By February, the district's newest construction projects should be complete.
"It is very exciting to upgrade our facilities," said Morgan High School Principal Wade Murdock. "We have been strapped for space with a growing enrollment."
With 790 students in competitive sports, the Trojan Century Center -- designed with a physical fitness and team training focus -- was becoming a necessity.
The 46,000-square-foot facility is designed to include an artificial turf practice field, surfaced indoor track, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball standards, classrooms, fitness rooms, portable bleachers, a spectator mezzanine, concession areas, storage and restrooms.
Westland Construction Inc. will serve as the construction manager and general contractor for both projects.
Last year, the district secured $4 million in low-interest bonds supported by the Federal Qualified School Construction Bond to fund both projects. The bonds carry an interest rate of less than 1.5 percent.
Inclusion of all amenities is still waiting on a $400,000 capital campaign being spearheaded by the nonprofit Morgan Education Foundation.
Foundation board members agree the facility will lead to better-trained athletes and healthier students.
"Through the generosity of the people and wise use of funds by the board of education, the Trojan Century Center can be a first-class facility we can all take pride in," said Kelly Wright, of the Morgan Education Foundation.
"It's good for our community and good for our kids."
Construction comes 100 years after Morgan High officially got its start as a consolidated education facility for the entire county.
The century mark spawned the name of the new physical education facility.
This year, enrollment at Morgan High grew by 4 percent. At that rate, the school would need more room for its health, medical science, and certified nurse assistant courses, which could be transferred to the new facility.
"The board's objective with the center is to first meet the needs of regularly scheduled classes, including physical education and health sciences," said distict Superintendent Ken Adams.
"The high school gym is overburdened during the day with several periods having two to three classes going on at the same time in the facility. The center will be utilized immediately."
Sports teams, the drill team and cheerleaders will have access to the new facility, which will be able to host tournaments with limited public seating.
"Athletic teams who have their seasons and preparation time cut due to inclement weather will have practice time significantly increased," thanks to the new facility, Adams said.
Murdock agrees, saying, "All schools up north understand how difficult it is to accommodate several different practices in a gym while it continues to snow and storm.
"It will be nice to have a facility we can use during this time that will help continue the growth of our athletes. We are very excited about the many possibilities that a structure such as this affords our school district."
School officials plan to offer use of the facility to county recreation programs and the public.
The transportation facility will provide covered storage space for at least 30 buses, as well as a three-bay garage and office space.
It will be a welcome addition for transportation employees familiar with operating out of a cramped, outdated space along busy State Street.
"We are very excited about the new transportation facility," Adams said.
"This will enhance our staff's ability to maintain and service our fleet. It will also provide them with much-needed office and staff training space."
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