By Crystal Hayduk
The Chelsea School District (CSD) Board of Education (BOE) approved the construction of an athletic fieldhouse at its meeting on May 4, a project first brought to the BOE’s attention in January 2021.
In his memorandum recommending approval of the construction, Superintendent Mike Kapolka wrote that the building is “… part of our continued commitment to expanding student opportunities and providing year-round access to a high quality, flexible indoor facility that supports athletics, extracurricular programming, and community use.
“… The facility is designed to … accommodate a variety of student activities, including athletic training, physical education, and extracurricular programming, while also creating opportunities for broader community use. The design emphasizes durability, flexibility, and long-term value for the district.”
Following a detailed presentation by Neil Ganshorn, president of Rand Construction and Chris Martin, senior project manager at Clark Construction, the board cast their vote as the first individual action item on the evening’s agenda. With board member Nicolia Heineman absent, the project was approved six to zero.
Construction on the facility is expected to begin in September 2026 and is projected for completion by June 2027.
The fieldhouse will be located just west of the Jerry Niehaus Field, 615 N. Freer Rd. At 195 ft. long by 150 ft. wide, it will house a full-width field, said Martin, with room for expansion to the south for a full-length field in the future if the district chooses.
The plan calls for translucent panels on the north side to allow for natural sunlight, and masonry siding up to eight feet high. The facility will be well-insulated, with heat and six large fans for ventilation. Restrooms will also be included.
Kapolka’s memo said the fieldhouse construction will cost $3,734,670, with an additional $106,330 for interior finishes and equipment, including batting cages, portable pitching mounds, and protective netting for a total investment of $3,841,000.
Approximately $1.8 million was raised through private donations and through Chelsea Athletic Boosters, with the remaining balance of approximately $2.041 million funded through the district’s sinking fund.
“This investment represents an opportunity to enhance our facilities in a way that directly benefits students, supports program growth, and reflects the continued support of our community,” said Kapolka.
A videorecording of the school board meeting is available to view here through July. The field house presentation runs from timestamp 11:45-27:40.
Fieldhouse timeline:
- 2021 – Initial proposal for a multi-use athletic facility by John Daniels, softball coach and Brad Bush, then CSD athletic director, to be paid for by community donations.
- 2021 – CSD BOE approved fundraising for the proposed facility.
- April 2025 – Fundraising has exceeded expectations, so CSD expanded vision for the facility.
- 2025 – CSD BOE approved receipt of donation of approximately $1.8 million.
- April 2026 – CSD BOE approved construction of athletic fieldhouse, as presented by Rand and Clark Construction.
- 2026 – Construction expected to begin.
- June 2027 – Athletic fieldhouse construction expected to be completed.
