Leer en Español, traducido por El Vocero Hispano
Grand Rapids — The district is making progress on a multimillion dollar renovation project at one of its key athletic facilities.
Houseman Field has been in the process of receiving a $5.1 million facelift since the end of the 2024-25 school year. The extensive renovations to the track, turf, restrooms and more are going smoothly, and the project is on track to wrap up in early September, said Luke Stier, the district’s director of communications.
The roughly 6,500-seat facility is used by athletes from Union and Ottawa Hills high schools. It also functions as a hub for community events and graduation ceremonies.
“Houseman Field is the home of GRPS athletics,” Stier said during a recent visit to the site. “This is a facility that is heavily utilized throughout the year by our athletes and our families and our community. We’re investing in this because it will have a wide impact on people all across the city.”
‘I’m very excited for people to come out to a game this fall, and see the facility looking the best it’s ever looked.’
— Luke Stier, director of communications
The Facility Athletes Deserve
Upgrades to Houseman are part of the “Reimagine GRPS With Us!” facilities masterplan, and the associated bond approved by voters in 2023.
Alex Smart, executive director of facilities and operations for GRPS, said the project stemmed from a desire to upgrade the track, which was nearing the end of its lifespan. The approval of the 2023 bond offered the district an opportunity to add more widespread improvements at the facility, Smart said.
“(We want) to make sure our athletes are competing in a top-notch facility,” Smart said. “They deserve it; they work really hard, and this is a way for the district and the community to support their efforts.”
Dale Cammenga, director of design, construction and renovation, is overseeing the renovation, and provided an update on what’s been done so far. He said the existing turf was removed, and a new fine stone base was placed beneath it. A shockpad was also installed to lessen the blow for athletes, and turf was placed back on top of it.
He added that the track surface was torn up, and its asphalt base was replaced. A new track surface will soon be installed and lined.
Once finished — with logos and striping — the field will be used for soccer as well as football.
Other renovations include upgrades in the bathrooms and locker rooms; new LED fixtures; a new roof on the press box; expanded parking at the visitors entrance; and tuckpointing work to maintain the integrity of a retaining wall that’s original to the structure.
The track-and-field event spaces, including long-jump, pole vault and shot-put areas, have also been replaced.
Cammenga said the project is expected to be complete by Sept. 1.
The completion of the project will be a huge win for students and families, Stier said.
“This facility impacts so many of our scholars and families and community members who come here to see our kids achieve, and also to see that moment of graduation at the end of their school career,” he said. “I’m very excited for people to come out to a game this fall, and see the facility looking the best it’s ever looked.”
“It’s an investment for years to come, so we’re looking forward to that first game,” Smart added.
Briggs Field Upgrades
Improvements are also in progress at Briggs Field. That facility’s $1.5 million renovations — also paid for with bond dollars — include a new sod field, a new track surface, and upgrades to the bathrooms and the concession building.
Renovations at Briggs Field are expected to be complete sometime in August, Stier said.
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