Gym

Steve Ventura, Superintendent of Edison School District joins three of his board members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the district's first-ever gymnasium. Pictured from left to right: Steve Ventura, Lisa Strobel, Kirstine Harner and Allison Kitchen.

(Bakersfield, Calif.) A ground breaking ceremony was attended by dignitaries of the Edison School District Thursday in honor of a new gymnasium for its nearly 100 year old flagship campus. The facility is a first of its kind for the district whose students are unable to dress for Physical Education courses and do not have an indoor venue for use during inclement weather.

“We’re delighted to offer this type of facility to our students and families,” said Steve Ventura, Superintendent of Edison School District. “It’s an exciting time here at Edison, with a new principal at the elementary school, additional teaching staff, new administration at the district and now this inspiring, multi-purpose gymnasium.”

Ventura plans to use the facility as an athletic and cultural community center hosting after-school sports programs, 8th grade graduation, school assemblies, parent meetings and more.

The gymnasium will measure 13,402 sq. ft. with locker and dressing rooms, restrooms, concession area, coaching offices and storage included. Sound-proofing materials in the ceiling and on the north and south walls will aid in absorbing noise, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for activities inside.

Funded through a bond passed in May of 2004 and joint-use state funding, the facility is expected to open in May 2009.

Klassen Corporation has been contracted as the design-builder, and has saved the District both time and money by re-using the documents drawn for Sunset Middle School in a neighboring district. “We are very fortunate for the opportunity to develop gyms at these schools,” said Robert Blair, Vice President and Director of Architecture at Klassen Corporation. “Beyond the obvious utility of these buildings, the gyms are certain to become symbols of pride for students and their families.”

Enrollment at the Edison School District is 1,148 and comprised of two campuses: Orangewood Elementary (K-4) and Edison Middle School (5-8), with more than 75% of the middle school students involved in extra-curricular activities.