Bellevue Schools Approve Major Upgrades for Athletic Facilities
Bellevue, Kentucky – During their monthly meeting on Wednesday night, the board members of Bellevue Independent Schools made a significant decision to move forward with an $8.4 million project aimed at enhancing Leo Gilligan Field and Ben Flora Gymnasium. The school district has plans to issue bonds to fund these exciting upgrades.
The upgrades will transform the **grass field** into a **synthetic turf** venue, courtesy of the Motz Group from Ohio. Meanwhile, most of the other renovations in the two facilities will be carried out by Perkins Carmack Construction, also based in Ohio. This ambitious project includes the creation of a new rubberized track, improved tennis courts, and a brand-new concession stand with restrooms.
Commenting on the long-overdue improvements, Bellevue Superintendent Misty Middleton expressed her enthusiasm. “It’s way overdue,” she stated. She added that for years, she has heard a consistent desire for “nicer facilities” from the community. “I commend our board for taking the necessary steps to be able to raise the money,” she said, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Bellevue High School has been utilizing Leo Gilligan Field for home football games since 1936, and the iconic Ben Flora Gymnasium has hosted basketball games since 1972. Both facilities are conveniently located a few blocks away from the high school campus, near the busy I-471 highway leading into downtown Cincinnati.
Bellevue’s athletic director, Jim Hicks, expressed gratitude for the upcoming renovations. “This has been a long time coming,” he said. He highlighted the poor condition of the existing track and noted that Bellevue currently boasts the last natural grass field in Northern Kentucky. Hicks emphasized the excitement of envisioning Friday night games with a stunning view of the Cincinnati skyline from a newly renovated stadium.
For this season, Bellevue and local rival Dayton are the only football teams positioned to play on natural grass. However, Dayton has plans underway for their own synthetic turf field and field house, expected to be completed prior to the commencement of the 2025 football season.
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