Shhhhhhhhh
(Trying to avoid jinxing the project.)
The latest report on the big school construction project adding Garfield Intermediate onto Garfield Elementary and locating all of the James A. Garfield Local School District buildings on a unified campus, thus saving time AND money in the educational process…the report is that things seem to be holding pretty well to schedule and looking like the—extremely tight–deadlines will be met.
The latest update, delivered June 19 in a presentation and walk-through to an interested and inquisitive group disclosed the various contracts and contractors involved, from sitework and concrete through structural steel, lockers, HVAC, building electric(Scotchman Electric),painting and wall covering(Doug Seaman Decorating), technology and paving. Not to mention kitchen equipment, carpentry, flooring and plumbing. Every one of these contracts was bid out and issued keeping both the cost and the time constraints in mind. The intricacies of scope in such construction are quite amazing, involving the “breathability” of a building combined with building efficiency, updating of the utility functions for the entire campus, the element of “Seek and ye shall find,” in discovering an Insinkerator in the bus garage attic, brick types and so much more.
So far…. Looking good.
The weather has had its usual effects and, no doubt, will continue to do the same but once the roof, and the drainage thereof, goes on, it’ll be, “Bessie, bar the doors” and full speed ahead.
Also at the meeting was “The Y Guy” who complemented the entire community on the excellent condition of the Park Avenue building, indicative of the level of use and maintenance given priority over the years. He indicated that the menu of services and activities to be offered out of the headquarters there will be developed over time, beginning with youth sports and expanding to adult programs and leagues, as needed. This will be a methodical, step-by-step process, ensuring quality and demand, with high standards set for supervision and equipment and program design. He mentioned the YMCA’s association with the Junior Cavaliers program and Adventure Guides as being part of the long-range outlook for sponsored activities. Kim Curry, formerly part of the local soccer organization, will be the part-time co-ordinator for this new enterprise.
The Portage County ESC will be operating a community pre-school in their portion of the building. All systems are GO.
Shhhhhh. It’s going to happen.
