Plans under way for GW complex

It has been so long since George Washington High School has been able to host a home track meet that most school officials don’t even remember when it took place.

The seven-lane track around GW’s football field is bumpy and littered with pot holes. The grass field is also in need of renovations. Danville Public Schools’ officials have wanted to drastically remodel the track and field facilities, but there is no room in the budget, especially with the drastic budget cuts underway.

So school board members, administrators and residents in the community are coming together to raise private funding for a “multipurpose complex.”

The complex would have a new eight-lane track, a new football field with artificial turf and a jumbo-tron. It could be used for field hockey, soccer, football, track and many other sports, according to school officials.

The estimated cost for the complex is $3 million.

The school system would not pay for this, but would contribute to the maintenance once it is put in place.

It typically costs about $15,000 per year for the school system to renovate the current field. On Tuesday a committee met with coaches, school officials and business leaders to get the project started.

“This needs to be done,” said organizer Kenny Lewis. “I think that support is here.”

Lewis said he is looking to reach out to the untapped base of alumni to help fund the project as well as visiting local organizations and businesses.

While the complex is designed specifically for students, it could have other benefits in addition.

“This can be an opportunity for more revenue for the city,” said school board member Philip Campbell. “In other areas this has brought in millions of dollars.”

Campbell and George Washington Assistant Principal Withers Jackson said that many schools around the commonwealth have the same type of multipurpose complex and it has allowed for state meets and out-of-school activities like concerts to use the facility and bring in extra revenue.

“Because it’s not just the event,” said Jackson. “It brings parents, families.”

State track competitions require an eight-lane track. The new complex would meet the requirements. Jackson also said the field has been hazardous and prone to flooding. The artificial turf put down would be designed for many sports, even during rain. The stands on the “home” side would be undisturbed for the most part, but visitor seating would change, according to Jackson.

The non-profit Danville Public Schools Foundation has already been set up for donations. Organizers said they have a goal to raise $3 million for the project by Dec. 31 and hope to break ground January 2013.

So far no bids have been made or vendors set up. The project has just been kicked off, but for the people involved it has been a long-time coming.