By Mike Hazlip—
Staff from Mesa Verde High School on Thursday evening answered questions from residents and outlined plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium at the school.
About 30 people including several City Council members attended the April 7 meeting held in the performing arts building as school administrators and construction representatives presented the plan for a new stadium.
San Juan Unified School District Director of Facilities Nicholas Arps thanked taxpayers for passing the bond measure that provided funding for projects. Money from the measure went to schools in the district, where each campus was allowed a “signature project,” records show.
Mesa Verde’s signature project for a stadium has not changed since a master plan was completed in 2014, Arps said. The school currently uses a football field and dirt track that has been in place for more than 40 years.
Mesa Verde Principal Jennifer Peterson said the project will benefit the community as well as Mesa Verde students.
“This is quite the endeavor that our campus is going to be going through for the next year or so,” she said. “We are beyond excited for our school and our community.”
The stadium is slated to feature a synthetic running track and football field with advanced lighting to limit glare. Plans also include a press box, concession stands, ticket booth, restrooms, and expanded parking.
Representatives from Verde Design were on hand to answer concerns from community members after the program. Community member’s concerns centered around lighting, noise, and increased traffic.
Arps said the district hopes to have a ground breaking this spring with a completion date set for Fall of 2023.
More details and information from the meeting’s question-and-answer session will be included in The Sentinel’s upcoming April 14 Midweek Edition.
