Sterling Public Schools Breaks Ground on $11M Recreation Center

Sterling Public Schools (SPS) initiated a significant development on October 27, 2023, by breaking ground on an indoor multipurpose student recreation and training center. This nearly $11 million facility aims to enhance training and recreational opportunities for students at Sterling High School. The center will be located in the southwest corner of the grassy area west of Roscoe Eades Stadium, near the former baseball field.

According to Superintendent Tad Everett, this project is a key component of the SPS 2026-2028 Facility Plan and will proceed without any increase to the district’s tax rate. Funding will be sourced from the 1% county sales tax, maturing bonds, and private donations. Everett emphasized the long-standing vision for such a facility, stating, “Mr. Austin has been talking about trying to construct a facility of this nature for nearly 10 years. Our financial environment is in a much different place.”

Facility Features and Benefits

The new recreation center will include three basketball and volleyball courts, a 60-yard turf field, a 4,000-square-foot weight room, an athletic training area, two batting cages for baseball and softball, a space for golf instruction, and dedicated offices. While the facility will not host games, it will serve as a vital training and practice space for students involved in various programs, including athletics, physical education, marching band, and special education.

Everett highlighted the impact of the center, saying, “We’re excited about what this will do for our students. It’s going to benefit our student athletes, our fine arts department, and our special education students.” The addition of this facility is expected to alleviate scheduling conflicts at Musgrove Fieldhouse, which has been in use since the early 1950s and is currently shared among all co-curricular activities.

The center’s design aims to improve students’ daily routines by allowing for immediate after-school practices. This will enable students to return home earlier, not miss meals, and dedicate more time to their homework and studies.

Addressing Equity and Future Opportunities

The project also addresses equity concerns under Title IX. A new girls’ wrestling program launched last year has attracted 28 athletes, the largest participation rate in the conference. However, the program lacked a dedicated practice area until now. Once completed, the existing weight room will be converted into a space specifically for girls’ wrestling. Everett expressed enthusiasm for investing in this program, noting, “We had more participants than any other school in the conference.”

The facility will provide students with year-round access, even during inclement weather, and will include a parking lot for 50 vehicles situated east of the building. “We’re so excited about not just how this came to be, but the future,” said Everett. “This is going to be a great place for our students for years to come.”

The construction will be managed by Byrne & Jones Construction, with work expected to begin within the next two weeks and completion anticipated within a year. SPS plans to host an open house in October 2026. Superintendent Everett confirmed that construction activities will not disrupt current student activities, ensuring a smooth transition for all involved.