USD 408 building project hopes for warmer weather years ago
Sports reporter
The recent weather has not been a friend of those involved with the Marion-Florence USD 408 building project.
But superintendent Lee Leiker still is confident with how things are shaping up.
The performing arts center was completed just before the nasty weather hit in December, but unfortunately for the gymnasium/indoor pool, that is not the case.
The construction on the larger project is coming along, and is not scheduled to be completed until May.
Leiker said as far as the pool goes, nothing has changed. The May deadline remains the same.
"We're going to have the pool open before any other pools in the area," he said. "Unless something totally unexpected occurs."
Even though the weather has been bad, workers from Hutton Construction were able to seal the outside of the building in time, allowing for only indoor work the rest of the way.
Leiker applauded the efforts of the USD 408 school board because it went "the right way" by choosing a pre-cast mold for the walls of the pool.
The concrete allowed for a quick installation, and will keep erosion down compared to a cheaper, steel alternative.
"I was glad they really stuck to their guns," Leiker said of the board members.
On the other hand, the gymnasium will not be ready in May, but Leiker said the pool could be open while construction on the interior of the gym continues.
It may be that only the gym floor and bleachers are left when the pool is completed, which would cause no danger to anyone at the pool.
While December weather setbacks cost the team more than a month as far as the gym construction was concerned, it will be ready for a full slate of volleyball and basketball games next season.
Marion resident Lori Heerey, whose daughter Kayley plays both sports, lives near the construction site and has been watching the building go up with her husband Doug.
"We couldn't be more excited," she said. "We think it is wonderful."
But she also said in the beginning it was hard to tell what was going on.
"Everyone has a different perception," she said. "It's hard to visualize early on."
Leiker agreed and said a lot of the work during the winter was done below ground level in the sunken gym, allowing for passers-by to not always see the progression.
However, as time goes on, the progress is more noticeable.
"I have full confidence we'll make that deadline," Leiker said of the pool.
Leiker said the delay does not allow the district to have graduation in the new gymnasium this May, but he said there could be some summer basketball games.
While Leiker is happy with the progression of the buildings, he also is pleased with a recent development with the City of Marion.
The city and the school district have been working together since day one of the project, but they are working closer now on a project within.
Leiker approached the Marion City Council Feb. 11 and asked for the funds to build a slide on the southwest side of the pool, an outdoor baby pool, and splash features for water activities.
The council unanimously approved the funds for all three projects.
Leiker said he had several meetings with city administrator David Mayfield before the vote, and was happy with the way things turned out.
"It's two groups working together for a common goal," Leiker said. "We continue to have a great working commitment together to make this a great facility for the community."
So, like any construction project, there have been hitches along the way, but Leiker is anxiously anticipating the spring and early summer.
"We're going to have a pool this summer. In May it's going to be open. People can plan to swim
