Major renovation projects at Rich Herrin Gym will benefit both students and the general public this school year.
A 1,600-square-foot weight room has been added on the west side of the second floor to benefit student athletes; and two 9 by 12-foot television screens will be added to the exterior to benefit adults who attend graduation ceremonies, and perhaps other events, inside the gymnasium.
Additionally, the gym will have a new look with a giant ‘B’ at center court, replacing the Rangers logo. And, both the main gym and the east gymnasium have undergone renovations giving them a brighter look, according to Superintendent Aaron Mattox.
“We had some older bleachers that had been condemned on the upper level of Rich Herrin Gym. Those bleachers haven’t been utilized the past couple of years so we were thinking of creative ways where we could utilize that space,” Mattox said. “What we decided (administrators and the Board of Education) is to add a weight room. So we’re in the process of adding the weight room, which I think is going to be of benefit to all of our students, benefit our athletic programs, and we think it will be more utilized through our physical education classes and in the process give the gym a nice appearance.”
The screens were added to give parents an opportunity to get an up-close view of graduation, awards night program and other venues at Rich Herrin.
“Every parent that has been to graduation knows it is extremely crowded at that event. We’ll be able to broadcast those programs on the screens, and hopefully, add to the visual aspect of the ceremonies as well as provide a safer and better access point for our students as far as weight training,” Mattox said.
Ross Construction is the general contractor; F & W Electric and Plumbing is assisting with the project.
“We’ve got excellent gymnasiums but they needed a little upgrading. We have sanded and our refinishing both of our gym floors,” Mattox continued. “I think that’s a cost effective way to not only add to the appearance of the floors, but to the life span of the floors. Hopefully, it will be cost effective in the long run and it will be safer for our students practicing and participating on those floors.”
He added the parquet floor will remain intact at Rich Herrin Gymnasium while the east gym will have a traditional wood.
“It will brighten the appearance dramatically,” Mattox said.
