Lake Havasu USD District-Wide Bond Improvements
Lee Barnes Stadium and athletic fields desperately needed renovations, and the community responded by approving bond funding to bring the facility to new life.
The 2016 $49 million Bond passed by the citizens of Lake Havasu included complex renovations, additions, and security upgrades to multiple school district facilities. Part of the District-wide Bond Improvements (Phase I) included three components:
Lake Havasu High School Lee Barnes Stadium & Athletic Fields
Renovations and improvements to the original stadium consisted of blading the entire stadium to the ground to allow construction of the new regulation all-weather track and a new artificial turf field, replacing the former cinder track and grass fields. Additionally, the project included a new 3,000 seat home team grandstand with a press box, LED sports lighting, restrooms, concessions, and parking lots.
The athletic field portion included replacing the baseball and softball fields with new artificial turf fields, new grandstands, press boxes, LED sports lights, restrooms, concession, parking lot, and grass practice fields with a lighted community jogging path.
Every project has challenges, and this one was no different. Challenges included extreme heat most of the year, a steep site with existing terracing, hard dig soils, and an existing drainage channel. Strategies to overcome these challenges included:
• The design team worked closely with several artificial turf manufacturers to find a turf system that can be played on during extreme temperatures and satisfies the newest safety standards for concussion prevention.
• The steep grades were addressed by benching the site and optimizing the existing contours. Many of the traditional field orientations based on sun position were disregarded since most activities are conducted after the sun goes down.
• By using state-of-the-art LED lighting, cool field technology, and generous safety zones, the community benefits from activities that can be held after sundown; approving the bond has proven to be a wise community investment.
District Administration Building
The one-story 3,500 SF addition creates a secure entry point for visitors to the campus consisting of a receptionist, attendance desk, administration offices, and workroom. Site improvements included a new decorative steel security fence around the entire campus including student parking and new visitor parking outside of the security fence.
Thunderbolt Middle School
The improvements to the existing middle school consisted of the complete demolition and replacement of the existing asphalt track, along with new sodded turf baseball and football fields. Security renovations to the existing Administration offices were also completed, as well as creating a secure lobby entrance.
Phase II – Security Upgrades
Phase II of the Bond-funded security improvements and upgrades to five elementary schools included the installation of new lobby egress doors, design and installation of new safety tempered clear glass at and around reception desks, and a buzzer system that provides controlled access to the public from the lobby space into the school.
Other exterior upgrades included additional parking, new wrought iron fences with panic bar hardware, chain link fencing, and improved playground areas with new play structures. The steep terrain at the Starline Elementary School presented challenges to overcome with the design of new steps and ramps to bring the facility into full ADA compliance.
