Kaskaskia College has broken ground on a new $9.8 -million gymnasium.
College President George Evans says the 29,000 square-foot facility will all be on one level, unlike the present gym, will have seating for 1,300 spectators, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard and locker room facility.
Evans explains, “The gymnasium that we currently have has celebrated so many successful seasons of multiple sports. It was originally built as a temporary gymnasium in the late 60’s and 70’s. Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, the college had to focus on their mission of education, and we have been making due for some time. But thanks to some low interest rate financing and a combination of grants and fiscal responsibility by the institution we are able to break ground today (Friday).”
In addition to sports, the facility will also house graduations, career fairs, and other special events. The new gym is expected to be ready for use by December of next year. It will be connected to the present gym as well as the fitness center. Evans noted 20 percent of the student body at Kaskaskia College are student-athletes.
College Board Chair Bill Hawley called the Friday groundbreaking as a great day for KC.
Hawley explains, ” Due to the foresight of the administration and the people planning it, we are also going to save the old gymnasium so we’ve got two practice facilities. We’ve got two areas for student affairs and what have you, so it’s truly a win here today for the Kaskaskia district.”
The project is the last of a large capital improvement program for a large part of the original Kaskaskia College campus. Many current college athletes joined the groundbreaking celebration along with faculty and staff.
