Construction Is Heating Up This Summer at Kenowa Hills
- Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Summer construction is in full swing across Kenowa Hills Public Schools as crews make progress on Phase 2 athletic improvements while beginning work on the next phase of renovations at the Early Childhood Center (ECC). These projects are designed to enhance both athletic facilities and learning environments, ensuring students have access to modern, functional spaces for years to come. Let's take a look at what's happening on our construction sites this summer!
Phase 2 Athletics: Ready for Football Season
Construction on the district's Phase 2 athletic improvements continues to move forward, with major components on track to be completed in time for the upcoming football season. Here's a look at the progress:
New Field Events Area
Work has begun on the new field events area for our track and field athletes. This space will include dedicated areas for discus and shot put. Concrete placement is about to begin, marking an exciting milestone as this new competition venue starts to take shape.
Visitor Team Building
The new visitor team building is making great progress. Structural bearing walls and the roof framework have been completed, with roofing installation scheduled next. Inside the building, plumbing rough-ins are underway while masonry crews continue constructing the interior walls. When complete, the facility will include a large visitor team room and new restroom facilities, creating a more modern and functional space for our visiting teams.
Visitor Bleachers
Installation of the new visitor bleachers is approximately 90% complete. The remaining work includes installing the stairs and accessibility ramps before the area is ready for use this fall.
Pictured above: visitors team room and bleachers
Home Team Building
Significant interior progress has also been made inside the new home team facility.
Current work includes:
Exterior concrete preparations
Locker installation underway
Restroom plumbing rough-ins completed
Coaches' offices painted and ready for ceiling installation
Athletic training room painted and prepared for ceilings
The existing team room building will be repurposed to support the district's junior varsity athletic teams.
Pictured above: new team room addition
Multipurpose Turf Field
Work continues on the district's new multipurpose turf field, which will serve football, soccer, lacrosse, PE classes, and more! Located north of the stadium, the site has been graded and is ready for fencing installation. Crews will soon install the concrete perimeter needed to support the fence system. Once complete, the field will be prepared for turf installation before the final playing surface and sport-specific field markings are added.
Pictured above: the future site of the multipurpose field, getting ready for turf.
Early Childhood Center Phase 2 Begins
Construction has officially begun on Phase 2 of the Early Childhood Center improvements, building upon the successful first phase completed previously.
Crews are currently completing abatement work on a portion of the existing building in preparation for demolition and the construction of a new addition. Abatement is expected to wrap up by the end of the week, after which demolition will continue on the designated section of the facility. As part of this phase, a portion of the building will be completely removed and rebuilt, while four classrooms will be renovated to better serve students and staff. To support the new addition, crews are also expanding the site's stormwater retention pond, with excavation expected to be completed this week.
Pictured above: these wings of the current ECC will be completely removed and the addition will be placed. The drive space pictured will become a new playground.
Renovated Learning Spaces
Four existing classrooms will be transformed into new support spaces, including:
A new kitchen
Office space and a teacher lounge
Mechanical and IT support space
A motor room
The renovated Extended Learning Areas will mirror the finishes and layout completed during Phase 1, creating a cohesive learning environment throughout the building.
Check out these photos from the previously completed areas of the ECC. Phase 2 could look something like this!
New Playground & Gymnasium Renovation
Students will also benefit from a brand-new playground as part of the Early Childhood Center improvements. The updated outdoor play area will provide expanded opportunities for recreation and learning while complementing the renovated facility.
Renovations to the ECC gymnasium are also a part of this phase.
Phase 2 of the Early Childhood Center project is anticipated to be completed in summer/fall 2027.
As construction continues across the district, Kenowa Hills Public Schools remains committed to creating modern learning environments and athletic facilities that will serve students, staff and the community for generations to come. Be sure to check back for future bond updates as these exciting projects continue to progress.