News Summary
District 218 is set to invest $79 million in upgrades to athletic facilities at Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools. This initiative includes the construction of new field houses, theater expansions, and gym renovations aimed at enhancing student athletic experiences. The Eisenhower field house will feature a comprehensive range of athletic facilities, while enhancements at other schools reflect a commitment to improving educational standards. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025 and August 2026 for the respective high schools, with funding strategies outlined to support the project.
District 218 Unveils Plans for Major Athletic Facility Upgrades
District 218 officials have announced an ambitious plan for athletic facility enhancements across its schools, totaling $79 million. These upgrades include new field houses at Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools, with construction timelines set to significantly improve the districts’ athletic offerings.
Construction Timeline and Features
The Eisenhower High School field house is on track for completion by December 2025, while the Shepard High School field house is expected to wrap up by August 2026. The new facilities are designed to meet the needs of the schools’ athletic programs with impressive amenities.
The Eisenhower field house will feature a 35,000-square-foot space, including a four-lane, 160-meter track, a 4,000-square-foot weight room, a batting cage, a climbing wall, a long jump pit, and a pole vault area. Similarly, the smaller Shepard field house will house a three-lane, 130-meter track, along with a comparable weight room, two batting cages, a long jump pit, and a pole vault area. Both facilities will include three basketball/volleyball courts connected through athletic commons and hallways to their respective schools.
Theater Expansions and Financial Plans
In addition to the field houses, theater expansions at both Eisenhower and Shepard High Schools are set to be completed this summer, with additional construction slated to begin early next year. Anthony Corsi, the business manager, introduced updated financing plans during the announcement, which include the sale of over $18 million in bonds during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
About two-thirds of the project costs will be covered through the district’s reserve funds, while the remainder will be classified as debt. The district aims to finance the enhancements without requiring a public referendum, strategically filling the gap between existing funds and the projected costs.
Parameters and Logistics
Parameters for the bond sale will be established during the upcoming board meeting on August 21. The anticipation surrounding these upgrades reflects the district’s desire to remain competitive with nearby District 229, which is currently constructing a $40 million field house expected to open in fall 2026.
District 218 serves approximately 5,429 students across its three high schools: Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard. While Richards will not be receiving a new field house due to space constraints, the school is set to undergo gym renovations starting in spring 2026, with completion expected by the following year. The updated gym will cover 7,000 square feet and be specifically designed for physical education classes.
Traffic Management and Timeline Updates
In terms of logistics, traffic and parking at Eisenhower are not expected to be impacted this fall; however, evaluations for the Shepard site are ongoing to ensure smooth management. Families of students can expect an official update from the schools during the week of August 4.
Future Plans and Renovations
Richards High School’s administrative offices will be relocated between December 2025 and April 2026, making room for renovations. Furthermore, Eisenhower High School will introduce additional construction to relocate band and choir rooms starting in January 2026, with renovations projected to conclude by August of the same year.
Following the completion of the new facilities, the layout and organization of athletics in these upgraded spaces will be assessed after a semester of usage, leading to the development of a shared use plan for optimal community engagement and efficiency. As these renovations take shape, they promise to enhance the District 218 student experience both athletically and academically.
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Additional Resources
- Chicago Tribune: District 218 Unveils $79 Million Athletic Facility Upgrades
- NBC Chicago: Several Chicago Area Schools Announce Closures Ahead of Expected Snow
- Patch: OLCHS Dist 229 Board Approves $41.6M Budget for New Field House
- New York Times: House Trans Athletes
- TownLift: Park City School District Board of Education Approves $38 Million Toward Treasure Mountain Sports Complex
